Swiss jabs hit Israeli demolitions

Switzerland has leveled outspoken criticism against Israel for destroying the Palestinian residences in disregard of the 1949 Geneva conventions.

Israel had breached the agreements in its disrespect for the Palestinian possessions in east Jerusalem [al-Quds], the AP quoted Swiss Foreign Ministry spokesman Lars Knuchel as saying on Thursday.

Switzerland, A steward of the 1949 agreements, ensures observation of the conventions which dictate that the occupying powers respect the property of civilian populations under their control.

Under the banner of 'administrative demolitions', Tel Aviv had gone on wanton destruction of the houses owned by the Palestinian families, the Swiss media pointed out on the same day quoting the contents of a ministry statement.

The Israeli disregard was a cause for 'deep concern', added the statement which referred to the encroached upon area as "an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory."

Shlomit Sufa, Israeli embassy spokeswoman in Bern, however, said "this demolition of houses was done under a court order" while denying the arbitrariness of the decision.

The locals have witnessed flattening of dozens of residences so far this year just as the 'legal authorizations' for further destruction of 90 more houses has been issued, noted the al-Quds-based Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions.


The United Nations food distribution centers in the Gaza Strip have been shut down as Palestinians struggle with a severe food shortage.

The closure came after a strict Israeli blockade of the coastal strip depleted the United Nations' food reserves, AP reported on Saturday.

Israel toughened its siege on the Gaza Strip nearly two weeks ago.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Israel to open the borders to allow humanitarian aid to reach the Gazans. In a statement, he said measures that increase the suffering of Gaza's civilians "are unacceptable and should cease immediately."

The UN Relief and Works Agency distributes food to some 750,000 of Gaza residents.