Gaza Humanitarian Organization Plans to Close its Geneva Branch Following Swiss Authorities' Measures
July 2, 202549 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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The Gaza Humanitarian Organization, supported by the United States and Israel, which distributes food to the people of Gaza under a aid system condemned by the United Nations, announced its intention to close its branch in Geneva after Swiss authorities initiated procedures in this regard.
Hundreds of Palestinians have died while trying to obtain aid since the institution began distributing food parcels in Gaza at the end of May under a system that Israel says aims to prevent aid from reaching militants. The United Nations describes this system as a serious violation of humanitarian principles of neutrality.
The Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations said in a notice published in the Swiss Official Gazette for Trade today, Wednesday, that it may order the dissolution of the Gaza Humanitarian Organization branch in Geneva unless creditors submit their claims within 30 days.
The Gaza Humanitarian Organization, registered in the United States, established a branch on February 12 in Geneva, where the headquarters of most UN humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross, and many other charities involved in aid distribution worldwide are located.
Reuters reported that the institution made a strategic decision not to start operations in Switzerland and is now working on dissolving its entity based in Switzerland.
The Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations stated that the Gaza Humanitarian Organization did not meet some legal requirements to operate in the country, such as the correct number of board members, a postal address, or a Swiss bank account.
The authority said in a statement: "The Gaza Humanitarian Organization confirmed to the Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations that it has not engaged in any activities in Switzerland at all... and that it intends to dissolve the registered branch in Geneva".
Last week, the Geneva authorities issued orders to the Gaza Humanitarian Organization branch to rectify deficiencies within 30 days, or face potential actions.
Hundreds of Palestinians have died while trying to obtain aid since the institution began distributing food parcels in Gaza at the end of May under a system that Israel says aims to prevent aid from reaching militants. The United Nations describes this system as a serious violation of humanitarian principles of neutrality.
The Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations said in a notice published in the Swiss Official Gazette for Trade today, Wednesday, that it may order the dissolution of the Gaza Humanitarian Organization branch in Geneva unless creditors submit their claims within 30 days.
The Gaza Humanitarian Organization, registered in the United States, established a branch on February 12 in Geneva, where the headquarters of most UN humanitarian agencies, the Red Cross, and many other charities involved in aid distribution worldwide are located.
Reuters reported that the institution made a strategic decision not to start operations in Switzerland and is now working on dissolving its entity based in Switzerland.
The Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations stated that the Gaza Humanitarian Organization did not meet some legal requirements to operate in the country, such as the correct number of board members, a postal address, or a Swiss bank account.
The authority said in a statement: "The Gaza Humanitarian Organization confirmed to the Swiss Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations that it has not engaged in any activities in Switzerland at all... and that it intends to dissolve the registered branch in Geneva".
Last week, the Geneva authorities issued orders to the Gaza Humanitarian Organization branch to rectify deficiencies within 30 days, or face potential actions.
