Benjamin Dousa, Sweden's Minister for International Development Cooperation, defends the government's new, tougher stance on Israel, describing the situation in Gaza as 'apocalyptic.' Amidst internal criticism, Dousa emphasizes the need for humanitarian aid access and calls for the release of hostages, while maintaining pressure on both Israel and Hamas.
Dousa Defends Tougher Israel Policy: 'Apocalyptic' Conditions in Gaza
Dousa Defends Tougher Israel Policy: 'Apocalyptic' Conditions in Gaza
Benjamin Dousa (M) faces criticism within the Tidö parties over the government's Israel policy, a stance also expressed by Ebba Busch. The Minister for International Development Cooperation is accused internally of being inexperienced and too lenient in condemning Hamas. He defends the government's new tougher line against Israel.
– What is happening in Gaza now is almost apocalyptic, he says.
The Tidö parties have been in turmoil since Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) announced last week that the government is reversing its Israel policy. Traditionally, M, KD, L, and SD have shown strong support for Israel.
From previously opposing a halt to the EU's trade with the country, Sweden now wants to freeze the so-called association agreement and use economic pressure to make Netanyahu's government adhere to agreements, especially allowing food transports into Gaza.
On Tuesday, however, KD leader Ebba Busch distanced herself from the new line, suggesting that Sweden could retract the decision if it turns out there is no justification for holding Israel responsible for blocking humanitarian aid.
Benjamin Dousa has followed the statements from his government colleague. Despite this, he says he and Busch are in agreement.
– We are in the same government, and this is the government's policy.
Identified as a Driving Force
Among the government's critics, many point to Dousa as responsible for the new tougher line against Israel.
When the former Muf leader and head of Timbro and Företagarna joined the government, some raised eyebrows. Political opponents have portrayed Benjamin Dousa as a populist, and even internally within the Moderates, he is not uncontroversial, with sources pointing to him as someone who seeks attention.
Others argue that he reaches the media and is a political talent, which makes him favored by the Prime Minister and his circle.
Internally, there has been talk for months that Dousa wanted to see more pressure on Israel. Critics now claim, after the policy shift, that he got his way. They also argue that he is too inexperienced in foreign policy and too lenient on Hamas.
– That we have ended up so off course is a result of Dousa and Maria Malmer Stenergard being so inexperienced, says a source within the government circle.
'Smell of Death' in Gaza
However, this is a view that Benjamin Dousa himself opposes.
– This is not a question of experience; it is a question of what is right and what is wrong, he says.
However, he agrees that he may have seen earlier than others that a changed stance towards Israel could become necessary.
As Minister for International Development Cooperation, he has met with humanitarian aid organizations and Swedish doctor Märit Halmin, who worked in Gaza for five weeks, and heard their testimonies.
– What is happening in Gaza right now cannot be described in any other way than that it is almost apocalyptic. There is starvation, children who have lost entire families, entire clans, and have nowhere to go. There is a smell of death everywhere.
To then, as a government, 'just sit and watch' without putting pressure on Israel to allow aid would have been irresponsible, Dousa argues.
– I don't think that's an option.
Benjamin Dousa points out that the humanitarian situation in Gaza must quickly 'improve significantly.' Among other things, by getting more aid transports in.
– To put it in perspective: In July, an average of 38 trucks were allowed into Gaza per day. During the recent ceasefire, about 800 loads per day came in. That's where we need to get to even cover the basic humanitarian needs.
Demands for Hostage Release
Benjamin Dousa is well aware that he is taking the brunt of the criticism from Tidö colleagues. He has spoken with many of the upset members.
He himself argues that it is about 'holding two thoughts in your head at the same time.' To put pressure on Israel – and to never forget Hamas's responsibility.
– We are pushing for the unconditional and immediate release of hostages and for tougher sanctions against Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the region. We condemn all the violence that Hamas has subjected Israel to, he says, adding:
– But at the same time, it is a fact that Israel's government is blocking aid deliveries into Gaza. And even though Israel has the right to defend itself, war also has laws and rules, and using starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime.
Do you see it as indisputable that Israel uses starvation as a weapon?
– It is up to the international courts in The Hague to assess. That is why we have been cautious about using such legal terms. But I find it hard to see that Israel is living up to international humanitarian law, guaranteeing unimpeded access for UN organizations to deliver food, water, and other necessities in Gaza.