Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard express strong criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and urging compliance with international law.
Swedish Government Intensifies Pressure on Israel Over Gaza Crisis
Swedish Government Intensifies Pressure on Israel Over Gaza Crisis
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is "dismayed" by the images emerging from Gaza. In an interview with Sveriges Radio Ekot, he stated that the government is putting "very, very hard" pressure on Israel. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard also reacts strongly to the crisis.
"The situation in Gaza is indescribable; it is completely inhumane," she told Expressen.
Ulf Kristersson informed the radio that Sweden is attempting in various ways to influence Israel to act for change.
"Together with many EU countries, we are saying exactly what we think. We are putting very, very hard pressure on the Israeli government."
When asked if he considers the ongoing situation in Gaza to be genocide, he replied:
"We have always said that the question of genocide is a legal assessment, not a political issue. What is happening is terrible and abhorrent."
He further emphasized that the Swedish stance is well known to the Israeli government.
"The Swedish government is very critical of Israel. They hear this with great emphasis," he said.
Foreign Minister: "Completely Inhumane"
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard also reacts to the situation in Gaza. In a statement to Expressen, she said:
"The situation in Gaza is indescribable; it is completely inhumane. The government continues to push to increase pressure on Israel. The International Court has decided on a series of measures to prevent genocide. These measures must be followed by Israel, which the government has communicated many times."
The Foreign Minister also described that the EU and Sweden have been clear with Israel regarding the need to adhere to humanitarian law.
"The EU and Sweden have been, and continue to be, clear that Israel must respect the rules of international humanitarian law for the protection of civilians. Blocking food and other humanitarian aid to civilians is indefensible and contrary to humanitarian law. Using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime," she said.