Sweden's government, through Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa, has welcomed Israel's decision to implement daily humanitarian pauses in Gaza. These pauses, coordinated with the UN, aim to facilitate the delivery of emergency aid. Dousa emphasizes the urgency of the situation and calls for secure humanitarian access throughout Gaza. Despite the initiative, Sweden maintains its stance against resuming support for Unrwa due to past allegations of its ties with Hamas.
Sweden Welcomes Israel's Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza Conflict
Sweden Welcomes Israel's Humanitarian Pauses in Gaza Conflict
Israel's announcement of "humanitarian pauses" in the Gaza conflict has been welcomed by the Swedish government.
"It should have happened a long time ago," said Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa (M) in a statement.
On Sunday morning, the Israeli military, IDF, stated that they will cease fighting between 10 AM and 8 PM daily in what are called "humanitarian pauses."
This will apply to three areas in Gaza, aiming to bring in more emergency aid.
The operation is coordinated with the UN, the military stated.
"IDF continues to support humanitarian efforts alongside ongoing operations against terrorist organizations in Gaza, aiming to protect Israeli civilians," the military further stated.
Swedish Government's Demands
The announcement is welcomed by Aid Minister Benjamin Dousa (M), who, however, believes it "should have happened a long time ago."
"We are monitoring the implementation hour by hour. Now it needs to be put into action," he said in a statement, also describing the situation as "extremely urgent."
"Sweden continues to emphasize that the Israeli government must ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza," he further stated.
Israel has also begun allowing airborne deliveries of emergency aid to Gaza, a method Dousa is skeptical about.
"Airborne aid has previously proven to pose significant challenges, and I find it hard to see that airborne deliveries would meet the enormous needs in Gaza."
Firm on Unrwa Decision
Dousa stated earlier this week that the government stands firm on its decision not to resume support for Unrwa, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
Several aid organizations, including Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders, have appealed to Sweden to support the organization, arguing that Unrwa has the best capabilities to deliver emergency aid.
Support for Unrwa was withdrawn after the organization was accused of ties to Hamas. A UN investigation found that nine Unrwa employees may have been involved in the terror attack against Israel on October 7, and they were dismissed when the investigation was presented. Several countries have since resumed their support.
Sweden sends aid to other UN organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and Unicef.