Hundreds rally in Stockholm to protest Israel's ceasefire violations in Gaza

By Anadolu staff

STOCKHOLM (AA) - Hundreds of people gathered in Sweden's capital Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israel's continued attacks on Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement.

The demonstration was held at Odenplan Square following calls by several civil society organizations.

Protesters said Israel has violated the ceasefire that came into force on Oct. 10 by continuing airstrikes targeting civilians in Gaza.

Carrying banners reading "Children are being killed in Gaza," "Schools and hospitals are being bombed," "Stop the genocide in Gaza," and "End food shortages," the demonstrators demanded an end to Israel's attacks and called on the Swedish government to halt arms sales to Israel.

Speaking to Anadolu, Swedish activist Joakim Orthen said the protests are organized every Saturday to draw attention to the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and to urge the international community to take action.

"We are here because the war is not over yet. Despite a peace agreement that should be implemented, civilians are still being killed," Orthen said.

He stressed that the international community must intervene to ensure the ceasefire is enforced.

Orthen also underlined that Palestinians should enjoy the same human rights as people living in Europe do, calling for Israel to be stopped and for the rights of the Palestinian people to be protected in the same way as those in Western countries.

Separately, a protest was held at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, with demonstrators saying it will continue until the university cuts all ties with Israel, NOS broadcaster reported on Saturday.

Utrecht University said in a statement that damage was reported overnight at three of its buildings, with about 40 windows smashed.

The Israeli army has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, killing at least 386 Palestinians and injuring 1,018 others since the deal took effect on Oct. 10.

Israel has killed more than 70,300 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,000 in attacks in Gaza since October 2023, which have continued despite the truce.