The lower house of the Swiss parliament rejected the initiative to formally recognize a Palestinian state. 116 deputies spoke against recognition, 66 were in support, 11 abstained. Previously, the Senate voted the same way.
Parliament followed the recommendation of the Foreign Affairs Commission, which concluded that the Palestinian territories did not meet the conditions for recognition as a state. In particular, there is no independent and functioning government.
It is also noted that recognition of a Palestinian state contradicts the principles of neutrality and will deprive Switzerland of the opportunity to act as a mediator in resolving the conflict.