Protests in Sweden over government 'complicity' in Gaza genocide
Hundreds of Swedes gathered in Stockholm’s Odenplan Square on Saturday to denounce the government’s continued silence over Israel’s siege and starvation campaign in the Gaza Strip.
The protest came as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 59,700, following what rights groups and legal experts have described as a genocidal war waged by Israel since October 2023.
According to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, the demonstration was organised by a coalition of civil society organisations demanding urgent action from the Swedish government to halt Israeli war crimes.
Protesters called on the administration of Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to break its silence, apply diplomatic pressure on Israel, and support international accountability mechanisms.
In central Stockholm, demonstrators held signs that read, “Children are being killed in Gaza”, “Schools and hospitals are being bombed”, and “End the food shortage”. The crowd also chanted, “Freedom for Palestine, no to the Netanyahu-Trump plan”, before marching towards the Swedish Foreign Ministry.
Among those attending the protest was Professor Mattias Gardell from Uppsala University’s Department of History of Religions, who accused Israel of committing ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
He also accused the Swedish government of complicity through silence and lack of action, highlighting that Israel continues its occupation of the West Bank and has weaponised hunger by setting deadly traps at humanitarian aid distribution points.
Last month, hundreds of demonstrators — including renowned climate activist and pro-Palestine advocate Greta Thunberg — marched to the Swedish Parliament in solidarity with Gaza.
Sweden has previously urged the European Union to impose sanctions and apply greater diplomatic pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In May, Sweden’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador in Stockholm to formally protest the worsening humanitarian situation and the lack of aid access for Gaza’s besieged population.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen — who has expressed staunch support for Israel throughout its onslaught— also addressed the deepening crisis, describing images emerging from Gaza as “unbearable” in a post on X.
She reiterated EU calls for Israel to facilitate humanitarian access after the bloc announced a deal with Israeli authorities earlier this month to allow more aid trucks into the territory.
However, humanitarian organisations argue that such statements from the EU are largely symbolic without the backing of meaningful sanctions.
Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza in March, tightening restrictions on food, water, and medical supplies.
While a small amount of aid has been permitted into the enclave since late May, the volume remains drastically insufficient, sparking a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and growing warnings of famine.
On Sunday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported six additional deaths from famine and malnutrition in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to 133 deaths — including 87 children — since the onset of the starvation crisis.