BERN, Switzerland today condemned the expulsions of Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah and other parts of East Jerusalem as in violation of international law.
The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) stated in a press statement that it “is very concerned about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem, particularly on the Haram al-Sharif and in Sheikh Jarrah” as it called “restraint at this sensitive time”.
“The FDFA calls again on all sides to act immediately to defuse the tensions,” the statement added.
It added that “the escalation of violence in the Middle East is of great concern” as it made reference to the nighttime clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian worshippers since the start of the Ramadan over the police decision to ban people from sitting on the stairs outside Bab al-Amoud and disconnect the power supply to the call to prayer at the mosque compound as well as over the forced expulsions of 40 Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood to replace them with entirely Jewish settlers.
“The FDFA calls all parties to act immediately to defuse tensions and to refrain from provocative actions or rhetoric. The expulsions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and other areas of East Jerusalem, which are not in conformity with international humanitarian law, are further fuelling tensions.”
“For the FDFA, the preservation of the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and the peaceful coexistence of all residents of Jerusalem must be guaranteed in accordance with international law,” the statement read.
“The search for a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with international law and internationally agreed parameters is one of the priorities of the Federal Council’s MENA Strategy 2021–24. Switzerland remains ready to assist the parties in resuming dialogue.”
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency