(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) GENEVA, Nov 5 (KUNA) -- The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) announced on Wednesday short-term measures to support the United States peace plan aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip reaffirming its commitment to backing international efforts to halt the conflict and to promote a lasting peace process in the region.
In a statement issued from the capital, Bern, the ministry explained that the measures include providing technical expertise in the fields of international humanitarian law, disarmament, and mine clearance, as well as enhancing humanitarian aid directed to Gaza's residents and supporting the Palestinian Authority in its institutional reform process and dialogue promotion.
The statement added that the Swiss government, in its meeting today, approved allocating an additional Swiss francs 20 million (over USD 24.6 million) to implement these measures. Half of the amount is designated for immediate humanitarian aid to be delivered through international organizations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Palestinian Red Crescent via the Swiss Red Cross.
The statement welcomed the progress achieved following the ceasefire that took effect in Gaza on October 10, which led to the release of several hostages and increased the flow of humanitarian aid, although it remains insufficient to meet the growing needs of the population in the Strip.
In this context, the ministry reaffirmed its support for reopening the Jordanian humanitarian corridor, which is crucial for delivering supplies to Gaza.
It also announced the Federal Council's intention to send four Swiss experts to the US-run Civil-Military Coordination Center in the occupied territories to participate in overseeing the plan's implementation.
The statement further affirmed Switzerland's intention to support reforms within the Palestinian Authority, particularly in judicial, administrative, and political fields, with the aim of strengthening the foundations for a Palestinian state. It also stressed Switzerland's commitment to supporting and contributing to the "Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority," which was announced in New York last September.
Switzerland clarified that this package of measures reflects its firm commitment to regional peace and stability and to the principles of international humanitarian law, stressing that the path to a just and lasting peace lies through dialogue, respect for human rights, and sustainable development in the region. (end)
imk

MENAFN05112025000071011013ID1110299874