Hundreds Rally in Stockholm Against Israeli Operations in Gaza, Lebanon
The demonstration, coordinated by a coalition of civil society organisations at Odenplan Square, served as a platform for participants to condemn what they characterised as Israeli aggression in the occupied West Bank and Lebanon.
Protesters filled the square carrying banners bearing slogans including "Children are being killed in Gaza," "Schools and hospitals are being bombed," "Stop the attacks on Lebanon," and "End food shortages."
Demonstrators directed dual demands at both Jerusalem and Stockholm — calling on Israel to immediately cease its military campaign in Gaza, while urging the Swedish government to halt all arms transfers to Israel.
A contingent of Iranian participants also joined the rally, adding their voices to protests against US and Israeli policy across the region.
Aydin Amir Hashimi, a Swedish activist of Azerbaijani origin, contended that Israel's actions against Palestinians would not be possible without the active backing of Western governments.
"Without the support of the Western world, Israel could not have taken these steps against the Palestinians," Hashimi told media.
He argued that Western nations had enabled the situation through a combination of logistical, moral, and legal support extended to Israel, while simultaneously suppressing Palestinian advocacy at home.
"They have suppressed the Palestinian movement in their own countries, across the European Union and in the United States," he said.
Hashimi further alleged that in certain US states, criticism of Israel or calls for boycotts had effectively been rendered punishable — a trajectory he vowed Sweden would not follow.
"We will not allow that in Sweden, and we will prevent such recommendations from the EU from becoming law," he said.
Notwithstanding what he described as mounting threats, hate speech, and workplace pressure directed at activists, Hashimi pledged that the movement would not be silenced.
"We are deeply saddened by what is happening and will never forget the suffering of the Palestinians," he added.
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