Switzerland moves to dissolve Geneva branch of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation

Switzerland has initiated proceedings to dissolve the Geneva branch of the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing legal shortcomings in its establishment.

The GHF began operating in late May, following a three-month total blockade on the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. 

The organisation is registered in the US state of Delaware and had registered an affiliate in Geneva on 12 February. 

"The ESA may order the dissolution of the foundation if no creditors come forward within the legal 30-day period," the Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations (ESA) said in a creditors notice published in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce on Wednesday.

The ESA told Reuters the GHF had not fulfilled certain legal requirements including having the correct number of board members, a postal address or a Swiss bank account.

"GHF confirmed to the ESA that it had never carried out activities in Switzerland... and that it intends to dissolve the Geneva-registered [branch]," the ESA said in a statement.

Last week, Geneva authorities issued a separate legal notice to the GHF to remedy within 30 days "deficiencies in the organisation" or face potential action.

More than 500 Palestinians have been killed and around 4,000 wounded by Israeli troops while attempting to access food and aid supplies. 

On Tuesday, more than 170 NGOs called for immediate action to end the aid scheme, and for reverting back to United Nations-led aid coordination. mechanisms.