Timeline: Switzerland And The War In The Middle East Since October 7, 2023

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Since October 7, 2023, Switzerland, the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, has repeatedly emphasised the need to end hostilities in the Middle East. But its positions have raised criticism for being too lenient towards Israel. This content was published on September 12, 2025 - 09:00 9 minutes

I lead the Spanish-language team at SWI swissinfo, which involves ensuring the quality of our publications and making them understandable for Spanish-speaking people from more than 20 countries. I'm also part of a team of journalists specialising in foreign affairs. Explaining current events and its relations with Switzerland is an essential part of my task. Senior journalist with over 30 years of experience in investigative journalism, broadcasting, multimedia content production and social media distribution.

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On October 7, 2023, Hamas alongside other armed Palestinian groups attacked Israel, killing more than 1,100 peopleExternal link and taking some 251 hostages to Gaza.

Israel responded with a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian health authorities say Israel's ground and air campaign against Hamas militants had killed more than 60,000 people by the end of July 2025, with nearly a third of the dead under the age of 18.

An international monitoring group warned in July that a worst-case scenario of famineExternal link was unfolding in Gaza since the Israeli army placed the enclave under humanitarian blockade in early March 2025.

Over the past two years Switzerland has continued to offer its good offices to support the resumption of peace talks. It has named Hamas a terrorist organisation, refrained from recognising a Palestinian state and considered ending its financial contributions to UNRWA, the United Nations agency that supports Palestinian refugees.

Protesters hold banners with hostages' pictures and Israeli flags during a gathering next to the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva on October 22, 2023. Keystone / Magali Girardin October to December 2023: Naming Hamas a terrorist organisation

Bern strongly condemned the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas, recognised Israel's legitimate right to ensure its security and defence, and called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population.

In the wake of the attacks, it organised flights for some 700 Swiss residents from Tel Aviv to Zurich and provided CHF90 million ($113 million) for humanitarian aid to the Middle EastExternal link .

October 11: Four days after the attack, the Swiss government said it wanted to ban Hamas in Switzerland . A law was submitted in November which came into force in May 2025.

This is a reversal of Switzerland's former Middle East policies of positioning itself as a mediating power and not designating Hamas as terrorist organisation.

More More Swiss Politics What does banning Hamas mean for neutral Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Is Swiss foreign policy harmed if the neutral country bans Hamas? No, says parliament.

Read more: What does banning Hamas mean for neutral Switzerland

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