STOCKHOLM – In a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza, thousands in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, called off their Easter celebrations and took to the streets in support of Palestine yesterday, reported Anadolu Agency (AA).
Around 5,000 protesters converged in Stockholm’s Odenplan district, heeding the call of numerous non-governmental organisations to demand an end to the alleged war crimes by Israel in Gaza.
With banners proclaiming “Children are being killed in Gaza,” “Stop the genocide,” and “Palestine forever,” participants also bore models representing children who had died in Gaza.
The crowd voiced slogans including “Free Palestine,” “End the occupation,” and “Murderer Israel.”
Samuel Girma, a writer and activist among the demonstrators, expressed to AA his view that Israel should be excluded from participating in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Malmo on May 11.
Since October 7, Israel has conducted a military offensive against Gaza, leading to over 32,700 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children. This has also resulted in widespread destruction, displacement, and conditions of famine.
Israel has been accused of committing genocide, a charge brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In an interim ruling issued in January, the ICJ commanded Tel Aviv to cease all acts deemed genocidal and to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. – March 31, 2024