Hundreds Rally in Stockholm Against Israeli Annexation Plans
Demonstration in Central Stockholm
Hundreds of people gathered in Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israel’s latest administrative steps aimed at annexing parts of the occupied West Bank.
Despite freezing temperatures, demonstrators assembled at Odenplan Square after several civil society groups called for action. From there, they marched through central streets toward the Swedish parliament and the Foreign Ministry.
Protesters Voice Concerns
During the march, participants chanted slogans such as “No to the annexation of the West Bank.” Many also carried placards reading “Stop the genocide” and “Children are being killed in Gaza.”
In addition to opposing annexation, protesters urged authorities to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Swedish activist Sigyn Meder, who attended the rally, said campaigners have organized weekly demonstrations for more than two years. She described the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian disaster and called on Sweden and the broader international community to take clear and practical steps.
Israeli Government Measures
Last Sunday, the Israeli government approved a proposal to register Palestinian land in the West Bank as “state property” for the first time since Israel occupied the territory in 1967. According to Channel 7, the plan includes reopening previously frozen land registration procedures, cancelling older Jordanian laws, and making public land records that had remained confidential for decades.
Organizers at the Stockholm rally also launched a new campaign titled “Sanctions Against Israel.” They encouraged supporters to pressure lawmakers to adopt stronger policies and announced plans to submit a petition to the Swedish government and parliament.
Israel’s Position
Israel has repeatedly defended its security policies and military operations, stating that it acts in response to threats from Palestinian armed groups.
Since the war in Gaza began on Oct. 8, 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have intensified operations in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. Reports cite killings, arrests, demolitions, displacement, and settlement expansion.
According to Palestinian sources, Israeli operations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 2023 have killed more than 1,115 Palestinians, injured around 11,500, and led to nearly 22,000 arrests.
Meanwhile, the war in Gaza over the past two years has resulted in more than 72,000 Palestinian deaths and over 171,000 injuries, most of them women and children. Palestinian sources also report that about 90% of civilian infrastructure in Gaza has suffered damage.
Growing International Debate
As protests continue in European capitals, calls for diplomatic, legal, and economic measures against Israel have gained attention. At the same time, Israeli officials maintain that national security remains their primary concern.
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