Mahmoud Abbas. Photo: World Economic Forum.

JNS.org – The Swiss government on Friday announced that it has approved the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) bid for accession to the Geneva Conventions, Swiss foreign ministry spokesman Pierre-Alain Elschinger told Agence France-Presse.

First established in the 19th century, the Geneva Conventions consist of four treaties and three additional protocols that establish the rules of warfare and humanitarian operations in conflict zones. The Swiss government acts as a guardian of the treaties.

The Geneva Convention move is part of the larger PA effort to join 15 international conventions in retaliation for Israel’s refusal to release the fourth round of 26 Palestinian terrorist prisoners. By seeking to unilaterally join international bodies, the PA has violated the parameters set last summer for its current peace talks with Israel.

Also on Friday, Israel announced that it would halt monthly tax transfers for taxes it collects on behalf of the PA.