Special debate on the situation in Israel and Palestine

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! Vänsterpartiet has requested this special debate on the occasion of the situation in Palestine and Israel.

Over 1,400 Israeli civilians were shot dead early on the morning of Saturday, October 7, in a despicable attack carried out by Hamas. A large number of Israeli civilians were kidnapped and are still being held as hostages.

The Israeli occupation of Palestine has lasted for decades. The gross use of violence from both sides against civilians is appalling and often constitutes crimes against international law.

Israel has responded with heavy airstrikes against Gaza. Thousands have lost their homes. Children hide in UN schools in the hope of not being bombed to death. 1.4 million people are fleeing. But in Gaza, there is nowhere to flee to. There are no shelters to be safe in.

If we in the rest of the world now act, we can achieve a stop to the displacement of people, to the bombings and to the ground invasion and instead look forward towards peace.

Madam Speaker! The debate on Palestine and Israel is often harsh and tough. Let us have a reasonable debate with a good tone!

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! October 7 was a dark day, not only for Israel but for all of us. Never in Israel's history have so many civilians been killed as on October 7. Families were burned alive. Children were executed in front of their parents. Hundreds of young people were mercilessly mowed down as they tried to flee across open fields from a festival. The extent of the brutality in the terror group Hamas' attacks against Israel is hard to comprehend. Over 1,400 people have been killed and 5,000 injured in Israel. In addition, over 200 civilians, including children and the elderly, have been taken as hostages and brought to Gaza. Among these are Israelis, Americans, Thais, Italians, Britons, and many more.

Madam Speaker! In this difficult moment, we must hold several thoughts in mind at the same time. For the first, Israel has an obvious right to defend itself against terrorism and the indiscriminate rocket fire that continues. The Government has unreservedly condemned the terrorist group Hamas's attacks. We have also demanded that the hostages be released unconditionally.

With this said, the right to defend oneself is not absolute. Israel's legitimate self-defense must be carried out in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. International law and international law apply to everyone and always, regardless of geographical context.

Secondly, civilians must be protected. Civilians and civil infrastructure must not be used as targets. This means that Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza must not hide behind innocent people and use them as human shields. It also means that Israel shall, as far as possible, avoid harming civilians when exercising the right to defend itself. Direct attacks against civilians and civil property are not permitted. The principle of distinction between military and civilian targets, proportionality, and precaution must always be applied.

Thirdly, humanitarian access is fundamental. A large responsibility for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza lies with Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007. But we must distinguish between the terrorist organization Hamas, the Palestinian authority that rules the West Bank, and the Palestinian civilian population. The Palestinian people do not bear responsibility for Hamas's terrorism.

The Palestinian civilian population is undergoing very severe suffering. The images from Gaza are appalling. According to information put forward by the UN, over 6,000 have been killed, of whom 2,000 are children, and 15,000 have been injured. Over 1 million people are now internally displaced. Even though Hamas bears a large responsibility for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Israel also bears a responsibility.

The government is deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the Israeli blockade. It is of utmost importance that humanitarian access is ensured and that water, supplies, fuel, medicines, and electricity are allowed through. The government supports the EU's and the UN's efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor and welcomes that some humanitarian aid has been allowed through in consultation with Israel in Rafah at Gaza's southern border with Egypt. But much more is needed.

For the fourth, regional escalation must be avoided. The risks of a regional escalation are significant, and such would have even more devastating consequences. It is important with joint diplomatic efforts, including of regional actors and the UN, to avoid further escalation with risk of a full-scale regional war and other spillover effects in the region. In this, the EU also has an important role.

For the fifth, a sustainable peace is based on a two-state solution. We must not lose our focus on a negotiated two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist side by side. This includes stopping recurring cycles of violence, addressing underlying causes of the conflict, and contributing to increasing trust between Israelis and Palestinians. A negotiated two-state solution is and remains the only sustainable path toward peace.

(Applause)

In this speech, Gustaf Göthberg and Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (both M) agreed.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! Saturday, October 7, 2023, will forever be a black day in history. On that same day, over 1,400 Israeli civilians were killed by murderers sent by Hamas. It is the worst act of terrorism in the history of the State of Israel. It is the highest number of Jews killed on a single day since the Holocaust. But Hamas did not only kill Jews. They killed Christians. They killed Muslims. They killed completely indiscriminately.

We Social Democrats already expressed our deepest condolences to Israel's government and people on the same day. We condemned this horrific act of terrorism in strong words. It was a bestial violence of a character that we have not seen since IS's worst actions in Syria and Iraq a few years ago. It is important that these condemnations occur without any attempts at relativization whatsoever. Hamas targeted civilian men, women, and children. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that can justify these barbaric acts.

Israel has been subjected to an attack, and Israel has the right to defend itself. This must, of course, take place within the framework of international law. This means that one must not target civilian targets and that, to the greatest extent possible, civilian casualties must be avoided. Even war has laws, even when one is fighting barbaric terrorists.

It follows that the humanitarian catastrophe that could follow in Gaza at any cost must be avoided. Yesterday we heard from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, that approximately 100 trucks per day with supplies, food, and medicine to Gaza are needed for the population to survive. Right now, significantly less is coming in.

The EU has decided to significantly increase humanitarian aid. It has been said that it will be tripled. I want Sweden to now also significantly increase the humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories. We Social Democrats have requested this for some time, but we have not received any announcements from the government. Therefore, it would be good to receive an announcement from the Foreign Minister about this today.

The same applies to the need to achieve a humanitarian pause in the hostilities to get aid to the population. This has been demanded by the UN Secretary-General, by the USA, and now also by the EU, and is of course a necessity. We expect that Sweden also works towards it.

Madam Speaker! This could become a long war. Right now, everything looks very difficult. But we must not give up. We must find a way back to de-escalation, negotiations, and compromises. That is what the international community owes the millions of people living in Israel and Palestine.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! On Saturday, October 7, we were struck by horrific news. A large-scale terrorist attack had enveloped Israel in darkness, and a killing of a magnitude that the Jewish people had not seen since the Holocaust took place on the very same day. October 7, the year of grace 2023, is another date that will etch itself into memory and our history during this trying time for the world.

The Sweden Democrats stand by Israel and the Jewish people, and especially when the country finds itself at war after a brutal, inhuman terrorist attack by Islamist terrorists. We have long warned of the risk of Islamist terror. On October 7, it became clear once again to the whole world what that terror can achieve.

The terrorists who attacked Israel did so both brutally and deliberately. Civilians were attacked, raped and tortured. Children and women were burned in their own homes, and the bodies were desecrated. A peace festival was attacked. Youth were hunted by Hamas. The beating could continue until Israel mounted a defense. Hamas also took hundreds of people as hostages. Hostages are still held in Gaza and are used as pawns and means of blackmail.

Rightly, it has evoked disgust in our civilization. In the Western world, leader after leader has declared and been clear in their support for Israel. USA has placed naval units off the coast of Israel, which has also served as a deterrent for Israel's enemies against expanding the war.

Several countries have chosen to withdraw aid to Palestine. The Sweden Democrats and the government acted promptly to freeze development aid for a proper review, as we know how the flow of money for this over the years has fueled antisemitism and terrorism.

From the party leaders in the Riksdag, we have seen a unanimous condemnation of the brutal attack, which has been important and welcome. Israel has the right to defend itself. It is absolutely necessary to forcefully combat terrorism, whether it appears in the guise of Hamas or in the guise of other organizations.

The support for Israel, which for the first time since 1973 finds itself in this kind of war, needs to be firm and long-term. The West must not yield when Israel, as the only developed democracy in the region, stands up for civilizational values against the barbarism that Islamism constitutes.

The war that Israel now needs to fight again is not only Israel's war but also the front-line defense of values such as democracy and humanism. Of course, the war must be waged in accordance with international law. We can state that Israel, in comparison with many other states, has taken extensive measures to protect and warn the civilian population.

Evacuation has been urged. It is made clear that military targets are being attacked. That Hamas then uses civilians as shields and civil infrastructure for military purposes against its own people demonstrates with all desired clarity what responsibility and what cowardice they possess.

Israel's defense against Hamas and other terrorist groups is not only a right and a duty, but it is built on a legitimate and democratic decision-making process. I would therefore like to conclude by thanking those who fight and stand up for Israel's right to exist and all those who are now doing their utmost to protect civilian lives.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! Only solidarity can be the answer to the violence and hatred. It is solidarity with the Israeli civilians who were killed in the horrific attack by Hamas. I visited Sderot in southern Israel myself a few years ago. All homes in Sderot have their own shelters, the playgrounds have playful long "worms" where children can hide in protection from rockets, and the bus stops are reinforced with roofs intended to protect against falling rockets.

It is solidarity with all Palestinians who live under the decades-long occupation and are now being killed by bombs from the unrestrained Israeli military. It is happening in a Gaza where aid shipments cannot get in and at the same time no one is allowed to leave. Gaza is an open-air prison for an imprisoned Palestinian people.

Alarm report on alarm report has come regarding the situation in Gaza, but the rest of the world has looked away. Since 2007, Israel has had a blockade against Gaza, and the effects have been devastating. Access to food, clean water, and healthcare was already difficult before the bombings started. Add to that that eight out of ten young people are unemployed. In the hopelessness, hatred and extreme forces can grow.

Hamas, not all Palestinians in Gaza, carried out their despicable attack. Despicable is every attack where innocent civilians are killed. We must therefore push for a ceasefire now, so that bombings and rocket attacks against civilians cease.

Foreign Minister Tobias Billström has said that Israel's response is proportionate. He says this in a situation where the attacks only continue with more and more civilian deaths with each passing day. It is an unfathomable number of children who have now been killed, and even children who are Swedish citizens.

To that, we have the Israeli blockade of food, electricity, and water. The UN points out that it is collective punishment that will cost civilian lives and likely constitute violations of international humanitarian law.

It is good that the EU Parliament has now adopted a resolution stating that everyone who commits war crimes must be prosecuted. This applies to both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

It is very important in this situation that we in the international community stand up for international law and protect civilians. The International Criminal Court, ICC, has clarified that through Palestine's accession to the Rome Statute, it now has jurisdiction over what has happened and what is now happening.

Since 2021, the ICC has had an investigation into war crimes in Palestine which the current events are covered by. The court needs to collect evidence and thoroughly investigate war crimes committed so that the guilty can be prosecuted. This applies to what Hamas has done and what Israel does.

It is also the case that the ICC today is largely dependent on voluntary contributions from states. Vänsterpartiet now proposes that Sweden increases the contributions to the ICC so that it receives sufficient resources to collect evidence and investigate the crimes that are occurring now.

International law must apply to everyone. Those who violate it should be prosecuted. Sweden should be a country that condemns every crime against human rights, regardless of where, by whom, or with what motives they are committed.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Kerstin Lundgren (C)

Madam Speaker! The Centre Party unequivocally condemns the heinous terrorist attack against civilians in Israel on October 7. Those who bear responsibility must be punished. Hamas and other terrorist organizations bear full responsibility. Civilians – children, the elderly, and women – were taken hostage. They must be released immediately.

Israel has the full right to defend itself against terror attacks from Hamas, attacks from other states or their actors such as Hezbollah. Those who threaten and even want to erase Israel from the map should know that we unequivocally stand up for Israel and the Israelis' right to their territory.

The horrific terror attack was carried out by those who knew very well the consequences but obviously considered that the lives of ordinary Palestinian civilians could be sacrificed. Palestinian civilians are taken hostage by these terrorists. It is not the first time we see it happen, and unfortunately, probably not the last either.

It requires courageous political leadership to embark on the path toward a political solution. It is a two-state solution that provides security and recognized borders for both Israel and Palestine.

Madam Speaker! Human rights are universal. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of states to secure them. We must always stand up for everyone's equal value and rights. We must stand up for and demand that international humanitarian law is followed by all. This also applies in dark times when we again see violations of it and again see how people are dehumanized.

Madam Speaker! The situation in the Gaza Strip is extremely serious for all Palestinian civilians, who are now hostages of Hamas. They have nowhere to flee, neither from Hamas nor from bombs. They are effectively trapped in Gaza. Outward, 1.4 million, more than half of Gaza, are now fleeing again.

They are homeless with a lack of food, clean water and warmth. There are many children, women and elderly. There are many with traumas from what they experience of fear and of family members, friends and relatives being injured and killed by bombs.

It is not difficult to understand that both the anger and hatred of Israelis and Palestinians toward the other is growing. But it is important not to be consumed by either history or anger. We must stand up against the terrorists, for Israel's right to defend itself and for the right of Palestinian civilians to protection. But let me be clear: There are also Israeli extremists. There are those who see ethnic cleansing as their solution - something we can never accept.

Time is running out now for so many Palestinians if humanitarian access cannot occur to the extent required so that we do not have to say once again: How could this happen? The humanitarian aid must be increased even from Sweden. The consequences of a failure risk becoming severe for all people in the region, but also for us.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! On October 7, innocent people in southern Israel were hit by a horrific terrorist attack carried out by Hamas terrorists. They attacked Israeli civilians without any restraint whatsoever. Video clips and images from the attack show a heartbreaking massacre.

A total of 1,400 people, including children, mothers, fathers, and grandparents, lost their lives in this inconceivable act of violence. Even more were murdered than during Kristallnacht. The grief and nightmares are far from over for many Israelis, as over 200 Israeli children, elderly people, and others were kidnapped and are being held captive in Gaza.

Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israel with the aim of destroying the country and its people. This we can never accept. Every decent person must condemn Hamas and their atrocities. The terror group must be fought, both for the sake of the Israelis and for the Palestinians. Hamas, in fact, has no respect for any human life and displays an obvious indifference even to Palestinian lives when civilians are used as human shields both during and after the terror group's attacks.

Israel has its full right to defend itself against terrorism and the unprovoked rocket attacks in accordance with international law and the principles of international law. Israel did not start this war, and they have not asked for it either.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! I am beginning to realize that there will be some repetition in the debate. But on Saturday, October 7, we woke up to the news that Hamas had launched a horrific terrorist attack against several targets inside Israel.

Up to 5,000 rockets are said to have been fired at Israeli villages and cities. But the major difference compared to the previous low-intensity warfare against Israel was that they had now also entered Israel and opened fire on both military and civilian targets. As the weekend progressed, it became more and more clear how indiscriminate, insane, and bestial the killing was. Men, women, children, and the elderly had been killed indiscriminately, and at a peaceful music festival, at least 260 people were massacred. As if the killing itself were not enough, Hamas also took more than 220 Israelis as hostages when they withdrew to Gaza.

October 7 has gone down in history as the deadliest day for Israelis since the state of Israel was formed, with around 1,400 killed and over 5,000 injured. My heart broke when I saw how civilians were abused, killed, and desecrated.

At the same time, I knew that this was only the beginning. Just as with previous major attacks from Hamas or the other terrorist group, Islamic Jihad, I understood that Israel's response would not be delayed. Israel has - I want to be clear about this - a right to defend itself. But that defense must be in accordance with international law and in a way that minimizes the number of civilian casualties, and we have seen through the four major wars that have been fought in Gaza since 2007 that this is so rarely the case.

Since Israel launched its counterattack against Hamas, at least 7,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed, of which 66 percent are women and children - 66 percent! More than 18,000 are injured, and 1,600 people are missing and are presumed to be buried under the rubble. About 900 of these are children.

Israel has effectively cut off electricity, access to water and fuel, as well as the import of food and medicine. Since a week ago, when the border with Egypt was opened, a total of 74 trucks have been able to enter with supplies. This can be compared to the around 500 trucks that passed in and out daily before October 7. The UN has said that at least 100 trucks per day were needed just to meet the most basic humanitarian needs.

Around 1.4 million of the Gaza Strip's more than 2 million inhabitants are displaced from their homes. Approximately 45 percent of all housing is destroyed or damaged by Israel's bombs.

Madam Speaker! Israel's response to Hamas's horrific attack is no longer proportionate.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! The acts of terror on October 7 cannot be forgotten. I believe that many who have only seen images from there still feel shaken. One must begin by strongly condemning Hamas and their terror.

At the same time, Madam Speaker, there are those in Sweden who try to relativize this or blame it on something else. For example, it is said that Israel has an ongoing occupation of Palestine. But there is no occupation in Gaza. That is false. Israel left Gaza in 2005. The acts of terrorism are not due to anything that Israel has done. The pogroms against Jews began long, long before the formation of the State of Israel. If there is something that should cease, it is Hamas's occupation of the Gaza Strip.

There are also those who think that Israel's response has been too harsh. I do not agree. Israel does not just have a right to defend itself; one has a duty to defend oneself and one's people against Hamas, who are terrorists in the same way as IS. Every civilian victim is, of course, a tragedy. But, Madam Speaker, let us be clear that the blame should be placed where it belongs - on Hamas. It was they who started this war, it is they who use civilians as human shields and it is they who fire rockets from schoolyards. It is Hamas who are holding onto fuel instead of letting hospitals and desalination plants where water is produced get it. It is Hamas who are responsible for the suffering that the Palestinian people are enduring.

Let us be clear, Madam Speaker. Those who speak of peace or a two-state solution without emphasizing that it is impossible as long as Hamas remains are hypocrites. Because peace cannot be achieved, and a two-state solution cannot be achieved without first getting rid of the terrorist group Hamas. They have shown this before, and they show it time and again.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! The Government has worked actively to assist Swedes in Israel and Palestine since the Hamas terrorist attacks began. We have followed the situation hour by hour together with the other Nordic countries. The Government has throughout the period planned for different scenarios and maintained readiness.

Until now, Sweden has been able to help 266 people from Tel Aviv to Arlanda through assisted departure. The absolute majority of these were Swedes. On the Swedish flights, a number of Nordic citizens and occasional other European citizens could also be offered a place. Swedes have in a similar manner been able to travel out through assisted departures that other countries have provided or, to the extent it is available, with regular flights.

UD is also working to assist Swedes in the West Bank and in Gaza to the extent that it is possible. Swedish authorities, however, have very limited possibilities to assist Swedes in Gaza, and UD has had a recommendation against all travel to Gaza for almost ten years.

In addition to the consular management of the situation in Israel and Palestine, preparatory work is also underway in case the crisis were to worsen and spread in the region, particularly if the clashes between Israeli security forces in northern Israel and the Hezbollah movement and the militia in southern Lebanon were to escalate. Due to the deteriorated security situation, UD has strengthened the advice against travel to Lebanon and urges Swedes who are in Lebanon to leave the country.

Madam Speaker! The risks of a regional escalation are significant. In the shadow of what is happening in Gaza, the level of conflict and settler violence in the West Bank has increased since October 7. This is serious and risks further destabilizing the situation. The Government supports the EU's and the UN's efforts to de-escalate the situation.

During the last few weeks, I have traveled in the region and participated in both a ministerial meeting between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council in Oman and a Nordic-African foreign ministers' meeting in Algiers. Sweden is also a major core donor to several of the humanitarian actors on the ground. It is urgent to provide further humanitarian aid to Gaza, something that the USA has also urged all countries to do.

There is also ongoing work between the USA, Egypt, Israel, the UN and other regional actors to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach the civilian population in Gaza without Hamas or other terrorist groups being able to benefit from this.

(Applause)

In this speech, Gustaf Göthberg and Marie-Louise Hänel Sandström (both M) concurred.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! There was much in the Foreign Minister's opening statement that I appreciated very much – naturally the condemnation of Hamas, which was crystal clear, but also that the Foreign Minister pressed so hard on the fact that international law must be followed. Israel has a self-evident right to defend itself but must stay within the frameworks that international law sets. It was important that he emphasized that.

However, I missed a statement in the Foreign Minister's second contribution, where he touched upon the need for humanitarian aid. I said in my contribution that the EU is now increasing its humanitarian aid significantly. They are tripling it. I know that this has also been discussed in Sweden. I would like to have a statement from the Foreign Minister: Does Sweden also intend to increase its humanitarian aid to the region? It is more necessary than ever before in this situation.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! I can also agree with many of the things that were said both here and in Morgan Johansson's first speech. Israel has a self-evident right to defend itself against Hamas's terrorism and indiscriminate rocket fire. It is equally self-evident that Israel's legitimate response must take place in accordance with international law and particularly international humanitarian law, which aims to limit the suffering of the civilian population and which all parties to a conflict must follow. It is naturally also important that one avoids harming civilians as far as possible.

The government is currently conducting a review of the aid. We are also cooperating extensively with international partners. We will come back with a decision on this issue.

I noted nothing in Morgan Johansson's speech about the importance of also emphasizing how forbidden it is to use civilians as shields, which Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza do, and the importance of releasing the hostage that Hamas has illegally taken. Morgan Johansson does, however, have the opportunity to do so now, so that the matter is also completely clear.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! We are not in disagreement on that in any way, rather the opposite. That Hamas has taken over 200 people to Gaza as hostages is in itself a horrific act of terrorism, on top of all the killing they engaged in on October 7 - one of the worst acts of terrorism in history, in fact. Naturally, all pressure must be put on Hamas so that they will release the hostages.

There is, however, no contradiction between uncompromisingly fighting Hamas and trying to help and support the Palestinians as much as possible, the civilian Palestinians among whom the needs are now growing. Yesterday we heard that more than a hundred trucks of food, medicine and other supplies are needed in order for people to be able to survive. I still have not heard from the Swedish government whether they intend to scale up the humanitarian aid. My appeal to the Swedish government is: Do it! It is needed more than ever.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! The Government has consistently urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and, in particular, to protect the civilian population. According to humanitarian law, Israel as an occupying power has an obligation to ensure humanitarian access and provide for the civilian population's humanitarian supplies, that is to say, that it has access to food, water, medicine, and other things necessary for its survival. This does not detract from Hamas's obligations under international humanitarian law, including when it comes to not obstructing humanitarian access.

The Swedish government is currently considering what additional measures can be taken regarding humanitarian aid and will return to this.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! When Foreign Minister Billström was about to enter the meeting with the EU's foreign ministers on Monday, he said that he thought Israel's response was "proportionate." After heavy criticism, we now hear the Foreign Minister during this debate adjust that statement, tone down his previous position, and more correctly describe international law.

At the same time, the statement makes it clear that Sweden is an extreme country in an EU context. Many bourgeois representatives have defended the Foreign Minister's position. In this debate, we hear how some kind of competition is taking place on the right side over who can have the most radical position. The result is a Swedish legitimization of the Israeli government and the Israeli military's violence and bombings of Palestinian civilians.

We have long heard the rumors of an impending ground invasion. A ground invasion would lead to devastating consequences, a total war zone. Sweden, the EU, and the entire world must now be clear in their voices towards Israel. I wonder what the Foreign Minister is doing to stop Israel from carrying out a forced displacement, a violation of international law, and a ground invasion of Gaza.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! I have at all times been very clear on the government's side regarding the responsibility. Israel has a self-evident right to defend itself against Hamas's terrorism and indiscriminate rocket fire, but it is equally self-evident that Israel's legitimate response must be in accordance with international law and particularly international humanitarian law. This must, of course, be determined on a case-by-case basis, and that was also what I tried to convey when I discussed the issue in the segment that Håkan Svenneling refers to.

What matters right now and moving forward is to ensure that the parties, as far as possible, take the responsibility they need to take to avoid harming civilians. As I said earlier, direct attacks against civilians and civilian property are not permitted. The principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution must always be applied.

It is also forbidden to use civilians as shields, which Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza do.

In the long term, we must naturally discuss the peace process and the two-state solution, but I have already accounted for that in my speech.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! No one has questioned Israel's right to strike back against Hamas. But to in this way equate 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza with Hamas is to dehumanize the Palestinian people.

What is happening also affects the Israeli people. Many relatives of the hostages have prayed and pleaded for negotiations and talks for the release of their relatives after nearly three weeks of captivity.

At the beginning of the 90s, the winds of peace blew with negotiations and agreements with Israelis and Palestinians. Then right-wing politicians like Benjamin Netanyahu came to power, and the settler movement was strengthened. Together with extreme militant Palestinian groups such as Hamas, these forces have stalled the efforts for peace.

I wonder if Foreign Minister Billström is against an Israeli ground invasion. I wonder what the government is doing to create peace and freedom in the region, so that the occupation and the blockade will end and so that we can achieve a real two-state solution.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! It is true that it requires two sides for the peace process to be able to function. But I did not hear Håkan Svenneling speak about the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority. The peace solutions that have been put forward in the years since the Oslo Accords were signed have not only been about what Israeli politicians have done, but also about what the Palestinian Authority has done.

The government is [there] to support the Palestinian Authority in its work. But I want to emphasize that a prerequisite for this is that the Authority distances itself from Hamas's actions. It is important to underline that. It has not happened in a sufficiently clear way. But finally, President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority have condemned the killing of civilians on both sides and urged the release of hostages. This [is] also presented to Sweden in official meetings with the Authority.

The Swedish government's position is as it has been; we advocate for de-escalation, an end to the violence and naturally that one returns to the negotiating table. Israel has the right to defend itself. But it must, as said, occur within the framework of international humanitarian law.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Kerstin Lundgren (C)

Madam Speaker! I also welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs' speech and can agree with almost everything that was stated. I fully agree that the Palestinian people do not bear responsibility for Hamas, and Israel has both an obvious right and an obvious responsibility to adhere to proportionality and precaution, as the Minister for Foreign Affairs mentioned.

To de-escalate is also extremely important in this situation. Great risks are at stake.

It is also important that we support the humanitarian effort, but also that we signal that we are prepared to step back when it comes to development aid. I hope that the Foreign Minister is prepared to go that way.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! I share Kerstin Lundgren's view that it is important to ensure that the civilian population in Gaza receives humanitarian aid. Sweden participates, not least within the EU, in the work to advocate for humanitarian access to Gaza. It is positive that humanitarian convoys have been allowed in from Egypt on several occasions during the past week. This must continue, and it must be further developed.

Furthermore, the UN has issued an emergency appeal to meet the great needs for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Sweden is a major core donor to several UN agencies and to humanitarian organizations operating on the ground. Sweden's core funding makes it possible for humanitarian actors to quickly scale up their work when a humanitarian crisis, such as this one, suddenly arises. Through Sida, Sweden also contributes direct humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.

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Kerstin Lundgren (C)

Madam Speaker! A humanitarian pause is not enough to meet the needs that exist in Gaza. It is required that there is an order that ensures humanitarian access in order to be able to meet the challenges in the Gaza Strip right now.

The image of Hamas using civilians as shields is, of course, correct. But at the same time, the civilian Palestinians in Gaza, who bear no responsibility for Hamas, have nowhere to flee from Hamas. They are therefore easily perceived as shields. One must see that problem when discussing the situation in Gaza today. It requires extra caution in this context.

Finally, I want to say: Do not forget Ukraine!

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! No, we do not forget Ukraine in this discussion. It also concerns the need to have no double standards.

I share Kerstin Lundgren's view that expanded humanitarian access is needed in order for humanitarian aid to be delivered. It is obvious. Sweden actively supports both the UN's and the EU's efforts to establish secure and sustainable humanitarian access.

Through Sida, Sweden also supports, among other things, the Red Cross and civil society organizations. The support they provide goes to the most vulnerable groups in this situation, especially children, and contributes, among other things, to social protection, access to food, health, psychosocial support, water and sanitation. The latter is not least important given the situation that has arisen due to the water shortage.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! Responsibility to protect - skyldighet att skydda - is a principle that was unanimously adopted by the UN in 2005. It is based on three pillars. The first is that every state has a duty to protect its own population if it is exposed to war crimes. Pillar two concerns that the rest of the world has a duty to help that state protect its population when it is potentially exposed to war crimes. Finally, the international community has, if the state itself does not succeed in protecting its own population, a duty to intervene and help to protect the population.

My question to Billström is: What responsibility does the international community have to protect the civilians on the West Bank who are now being affected by Israel's response against Hamas?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! The standing, clear central pillar in the discussion is that Israel has a self-evident right to defend itself against Hamas's terrorism and against the rocket fire that is constantly taking place while we stand here in the chamber and debate.

But of course, the legitimate response from Israel must also be in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. Therefore, Sweden is working together with both the UN and the EU, and in the diplomatic contacts we have with partners in the Arab world, to achieve exactly that. It requires a lot of diplomatic craftsmanship. These are very difficult questions and several different interests we face.

It still pleases me that the long-term objective of a two-state solution remains with very many partners. It must be the end goal, and perhaps it is that which, in the midst of this very somber situation, sustains the efforts to reach both the short-term and the long-term goal.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! Thank you for the answer, Minister for Foreign Affairs!

The principle of the duty to defend came about after the international community had been too slow to act in previous conflicts. There is now an imminent risk that it will not be until the conflict on the Gaza Strip possibly ends that a decision will be made as to whether war crimes have been committed by one side or the other.

The question is how we can make those assessments faster, so that the international community can act powerfully and really ensure that even today those who are subjected to attacks are protected and that one does not wait for this war to end.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! When such a conflict arises rapidly, the international community is very rarely prepared. There are many, very painful examples of this. This applies in particular to the problems we saw in Africa in the 90s. Rwanda is a clear example of when the international community did not realize fast enough what was actually happening.

With this said, I want to repeat once again the importance of standing up for the multilateral organizations that Sweden is a member of, for example the UN, and to work with the EU as the most important platform in this context. When the EU speaks with one voice, we are indeed much stronger.

We will, of course, also work together with partners in the region. I myself have had very extensive discussions and long conversations about these issues with several colleagues in the region at the meetings in both Oman and Algiers that I have participated in. The government will continue to do so.

(Applause)

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! I want to begin by stating that we received no notification regarding increased Swedish humanitarian aid, even though it seems to be needed more than ever. We heard yesterday that over 100 trucks per day need to enter Gaza in order to meet the population's needs.

The USA together with Egypt has played a very constructive role in recent weeks to open a corridor and get in with supplies - but there must also be supplies to send. The EU is, as mentioned, increasing its humanitarian aid to the area now. They are tripling it. Then I think a country like Sweden could do the same. Sweden should also be able to significantly increase the humanitarian aid. It is needed more than ever.

Madam Speaker! It is clear that Hamas has long been the most serious obstacle to peace and development in Palestine. Hamas threatens and kills not only Israelis but also its own people. They oppress their own people. Let us be clear that behind Hamas stands another major actor, namely Iran, which also stands behind Hezbollah in Lebanon. This is a larger game.

The most important counterweight to Hamas on the Palestinian side is the Palestinian Authority, i.e., the State of Palestine in the West Bank. It would be a nightmare if the West Bank were also to fall into the hands of Hamas.

We have been in continuous contact with Israel's ambassador during these weeks. We have also been in continuous contact with Palestine's ambassador during these weeks. We think it is extremely important that the Palestinian authority is not weakened but strengthened. We see at the same time that there has been a discussion among the parties in the government base about the government taking back the recognition of Palestine. I think that would be a huge mistake. It would only play into Hamas's hands. I hope therefore that the Foreign Minister can give a clear statement today that the government has no such plans and that one stands by the recognition of Palestine.

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! To begin with, I must admit that the opening statement delivered by Morgan Johansson honors him, because it is important that the Social Democrats now show where they stand in this conflict and clearly declare this. I say this because they have a history of great hesitation.

Morgan Johansson stated how important it is to quickly accelerate the humanitarian aid. I believe we all actually agree on that. Humanitarian disaster relief to the civilians who are suffering is absolutely necessary here and now. But he did not mention one word about whether one understands the importance of conducting a proper review of the development aid that for a long time has gone to Palestine and the Palestinian Authority and to UN programs on that side. They have fostered generation after generation into antisemitism and provided the basis for the terror we see now. This is a fact and has been so for many years.

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! With all due respect, I believe I have both a longer history and a better grasp of the history we have than Aron Emilsson does. I have been involved in this issue since the end of the 80s. I was involved both at times when we already then began to build and deepen relations between Palestinians and Israelis, and partly in the process that led to the Oslo Accords in the early 90s.

The Social Democratic Party is one of the few actors in Swedish politics that has good relations with both Israel and Palestine, and that is what we stand for. Our vision of a two-state solution is also the one that even the major actors globally have pivoted towards. I gladly admit that it feels like it is further away now than it has been in a long time, but we must get back there.

The Social Democratic Party, both in Sweden and globally, has played the role of bridge-builder between the actors that exist now. We will continue to play that role. I do not intend to accept any criticism of the type that Aron Emilsson puts forward here, because it is actually completely unfounded.

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! We can certainly dispute who has the most academic credits in history in another forum.

I believe we all hope for the Oslo Accords, but it is nevertheless a fact that the Social Democrats' coalition partners at Västbanken and the Palestinian Authority have not clearly and unreservedly distanced themselves from Hamas and the attack that occurred on civilians. The criticism is therefore not unfounded.

The UN program UNRWA has repeatedly funded education with anti-Semitic textbooks in Palestine where Israel is erased from the map, where terror and martyrdom are glorified, and where violence against Jews is urged. It is obvious that this has been ongoing for many years, as well as that Swedish aid funds have trickled down to non-governmental organizations that prepare the ground for this type of opinion, which naturally fuels hatred and for the fact that one does not even recognize the right of Israel and the Jews to exist.

We can certainly go into the Social Democrats' history in this context, but then I think we will need more speaking time.

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! I perhaps do not even need to mention the Sweden Democrats' history or the fact that Israeli actors do not want to speak with the Sweden Democrats. It simply depends on your history. But we have good relations with both Israel and the Palestinian representatives. That is how it actually is.

This is not about academic points, but about which different traditions we come from, and I can only state that the Social Democrats, both in government and as a movement, have always acted for increased understanding, to build bridges and to find solutions.

When I hear Aron Emilsson lay out the text regarding the aid, I understand where the obstacle to increasing the humanitarian aid to Gaza lies. It is obviously the Sverigedemokraterna who are stopping the government from now stepping in with increased humanitarian aid, despite the fact that it is needed more than ever. That, Madam Speaker, I truly regret.

(Applause)

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! I would like to begin by thanking Morgan Johansson for his very clear opening remarks. The Social Democrats have, however, had a long and, as far as I understand, at times a very close cooperation with their sister party Fatah. It is, therefore, the party that governs the Palestinian Authority. President Mahmoud Abbas is now in his 18th year of a 4-year mandate period.

The Palestinian Authority has not managed to condemn Hamas's horrific attack on Israel on October 7. They have, however, demanded that the kidnapped be released. Does Member Johansson think it is reasonable to demand that the Palestinian Authority condemn Hamas's attack, and if they continue to refuse—should there then be any consequences?

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! Of course it is reasonable to demand. It is obviously so. All actors in this must, just as I said in my second contribution, understand that Hamas is one of the most important problems for a peaceful development at all. Hamas must be fought completely uncompromisingly. So that is it.

Magnus Berntsson must also see that Fatah on the West Bank is the most important counterweight to Hamas. If Fatah and the Palestinian Authority had not been there, the risk would have been that Hamas would have taken over. The worst thing we can do now is to weaken the Palestinian Authority. That was also why I asked the Foreign Minister whether one stands by the recognition of the Palestinian Authority. It is extremely important to get a clear message that one does so, because otherwise, I believe there is a risk that the situation will be further destabilized.

There is a possibility for a two-state solution moving forward, but then one must ensure to strengthen the Palestinian Authority rather than weakening it.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! I agree with what was mentioned earlier. I actually also believe that we are further away from a two-state solution than we have been for a very long time. Hamas is definitely an absolute obstacle to a two-state solution.

It is also the case that if the Palestinian Authority fails to be clear in its condemnation of the terror attacks and assaults that have occurred, it will be very difficult to gain legitimacy for the Palestinian Authority. If it fails to do so, there is reason to review even the recognition of Palestine and of the Palestinian Authority that was made by the previous government.

I hope that we will see a clear condemnation of what has happened from the Hamas side. Perhaps it is the case that Morgan Johansson, with his contacts, has something more to say on that issue.

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! Now, it is the case that Abbas has been clear in his condemnation of the killing of civilians - on both sides, he has said. He has furthermore demanded a release of the hostages in Gaza. I think that is an important message.

Then I do not think one should be so negative or pessimistic in relation to the development and the possibility of finding a way forward. We must always look for solutions. We have a Palestinian authority on the West Bank. Let us try to work to strengthen it!

It also naturally depends on how Israel acts here, because Israel cannot continue to expand settlements on occupied land. That undermines both the legitimacy of the authority and the possibility of being able to achieve a cohesive state at all.

If we could have agreed there, in also urging Israel to cancel its plans to expand settlements, I believe we would have come a step further. But we must, after all, not give up the vision of a two-state solution. It is the only realistic possibility forward.

(Applause)

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! I also want to start by thanking Morgan Johansson for the clear opening statement. I also think that the words Morgan put forward in the exchange just now, that Hamas must be fought uncompromisingly, were a welcome message from the Social Democrats.

My question concerns arms sales. The Liberals have said that we must open up to selling weapons to Israel. Sweden has, as a matter of principle, for a very long time not done this.

I think it is clear that if one considers that a country has a right to defend itself - we even think that Israel has an obligation to defend itself - and that Hamas needs to be fought uncompromisingly, and if one considers that we should have two states, one also needs to ensure that one of the states, in this case Israel, can defend itself. It is difficult to say that a state has a right to defend itself without looking at whether it can defend itself. It is difficult to say that one is for a two-state solution without looking at whether there are means to defend that there is a two-state solution.

Therefore, I wonder if the Social Democrats stand behind the demand to allow arms sales to Israel.

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! No, we do not. We have legislation regarding arms exports which is clear that we, as a general rule, do not export weapons to countries where they can be used in war in this way.

Ultimately, it is not the Riksdag that decides it, but rather the Inspectorate for Strategic Products and the export control board where all parties are represented. I stand by that legislation and the trade-offs that are made there.

Joar Forssell should perhaps be a bit careful about what he opens up for, because it is clear that if one says that we should be able to sell weapons to Israel, someone will surely come along and say that we should be able to sell weapons to the Palestinian Authority. You understand; if you enter into such a discussion, you never really know where it might end.

No, I think we should stand up for the rules and laws that we have and for which there is a broad majority and consensus in this chamber.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! I thank you for the answer.

I am well aware of what the regulatory framework looks like – I sit on the Export Control Council myself and make decisions on these issues.

Sweden has a principle of weighing how democratic a country is. The Liberals want to ensure that we always, as a starting point, say yes to selling weapons to democracies. Israel is the Middle East's only democracy. The Palestinian Authority is not a democracy, so that would distinguish the two.

It is strange to be in favor of a two-state solution and the right to defend oneself and at the same time say that Hamas must be fought uncompromisingly, but in the next breath say that one cannot sell weapons to Israel. How do the Social Democrats mean for it to be possible to defend oneself? How is it to be possible to defend Israeli civilians? How is it to be possible to ensure that the State of Israel remains when there is an existential threat at the doorstep consisting of Hamas, which, according to the Social Democrats themselves, must be fought uncompromisingly?

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Madam Speaker! I am well aware of the democracy criterion in the legislation. It was when I was responsible for arms exports that we introduced it. It is important, but it should actually be interpreted as an additional restriction on arms exports. There are many democracies that we do not export weapons to. There are also other criteria that must be weighed in.

Again: If one enters into a discussion such as Joar Forssell is now conducting, one risks it ending with demands being made to also export weapons to others. I do not want to do that. I want us to have a restrictive view on arms exports in accordance with the legislation we have and not start opening that door.

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! The war against Israel that the Islamists, with Hamas at the forefront, have initiated is not new but rather the culmination of several years of terrorism originating from Gaza. The rocket fire that Israel has had to endure in recent years is unparalleled, and the country has actually shown great restraint until now.

But despite Israel's principle of caution in its responses, there are forces both in Sweden and abroad that are unable to unequivocally distance themselves from the terrorist organization Hamas and the terror attacks against Israel.

In Sweden, we have seen large demonstrations, not least last weekend at Sergels torg in Stockholm, where open antisemitism is spread by speakers. Disinformation continues to thrive, such as that against the social services.

It is obvious that we face major problems in Sweden with openly anti-Semitic groups that support this terror, and it is not difficult to state that a large part of the root of this development lies in the fact that previous governments pursued a naive migration policy and an unconstrained integration policy. People who are value-wise on a total collision course with Swedish values have been welcomed. That is what we see now when it is chanted in streets and squares week after week.

Thank goodness new brooms are now sweeping in with the Tidö cooperation, because here the society needs to react strongly and resolutely.

Those who are now hit hardest by the growing antisemitism, also here in our country, are the Jewish minority. Therefore, we in the coalition parties this week have proposed a number of measures, such as that the grant for security-enhancing measures linked to different religious communities should increase by 30 million. This grant has primarily gone to Jewish organizations. We have also already decided to support the Jewish Central Council with 10 million during the last months of this year to ensure security and, in the long run, actually religious freedom.

Society needs to stand up against antisemitism wherever it appears, regardless of whether it is on the international arena, on the spot in the inferno of war in Israel and Palestine, or here in Sweden, as our own country has increasingly actually become an arena for international conflicts.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! The members in the chamber look surprised - it is not common for members to demand a reply from one another within a government cooperation. But I could not help it, because Member Emilsson described in a very clear and good way the measures that have been taken by the cooperation parties during the past week.

The Liberals have also presented a proposal that I personally have motioned for previously, as an individual motion. It concerns being able to designate certain particularly vulnerable objects, such as synagogues, the Jewish school, the Jewish nursing home and so on, as protected objects. This would mean that the guards there would receive other powers and be allowed to carry weapons and so on. It is not something that would help in this acute situation, but it would increase security overall and over time.

I simply wonder if the Sweden Democrats are open to looking at and investigating that question and proceeding with it.

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! I believe it is obvious to many who are following this debate and who have followed the development in the political conversation over time that the Sweden Democrats and the Liberals are very close to each other when it comes to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the need to do what we can to ensure the protection, security, and right to religious freedom of the Jewish minority even in Sweden. So it is clear that this is interesting to look at.

This proposal has just been presented, and I have to look at it in detail. I think all proposals that move in the direction of strengthening the security for this extremely vulnerable group, who are more vulnerable than almost all other religious minorities in Sweden, are important to take to heart. People have, on many occasions, come to Sweden precisely to be able to practice their faith and their religion in our free country.

I believe, as I have said, that one must think in both short-term and long-term terms, and the short-term also involves injecting resources here and now to strengthen the security and the foundation for freedom of religion for the Jewish minority. That is the first thing we have done.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Since this is a question that I am asking spontaneously based on a single motion that I wrote quite a few years ago and a proposal that was presented by the Liberals again yesterday, I do not intend to press Member Emilsson any further on this. But it is gratifying to note that there is an openness to this proposal.

I believe that we need to look at several ways to strengthen the security around these particularly vulnerable objects, and this would also be a way that does not, for example, put the police's resources under extra strain because it is about the fact that one could have security guards. But it is also about ensuring that it is not possible to prepare an attack through photography or by looking at blueprints and so on. The Protection Act does, after all, entail a number of things.

In Denmark, a synagogue has been attacked, with a very tragic murder as a result. There, they even use the military in some cases, and that would also be permitted by the security law in Sweden.

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! I do not have much more to add other than that there is, of course, an openness to look at this proposal. But I believe, as I have said, that it is important right now to take both short-term and long-term measures. It is also for that reason that I raise the deep concern I actually have for the development we see on Swedish streets and squares - the antisemitism and the Jew-hatred that actually flourishes in many parts of our own society, which is deeply alarming.

In that regard, but also in connection with the fact that we, the coalition parties, are conducting a proper review of the development aid to Palestine, we have a proper cleanup job to do after previous governments. The Social Democrats have been responsible for an aid policy and a naive and non-demanding integration policy in our country that has caused this type of opinions and movements to gain a foothold and now flourish and spread, not only on the ground in Israel and Palestine, as said, but also all around the world and in our country. Accountability needs to be demanded for this.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! Hamas's attack on Israeli civilians on October 7 was a malicious attack that we must never forget. Over 1,400 people were murdered, and many are still being held as hostages. At the same time, it is difficult to shake off that a total of 7,000 people have been killed in Israel's attacks against Gaza. I noted that the Foreign Minister had an old figure that was off by 1,000 people.

The spiral of violence is spreading, and we must do everything we can to bring an end to the violence. Antisemitism and racism are also spreading, and we all have a responsibility to stand up against antisemitism and racism.

The humanitarian needs are now increasing exponentially. The EU has promised to triple its humanitarian aid to Palestine. But in Sweden, the government is acting precisely the opposite. Development aid has been paused. A review has been initiated of all Palestinian aid, both development aid and humanitarian aid, according to the government, in order to stop money going to Hamas. But the aid is already being scrutinized heavily, and the probability that any money goes to Hamas is very small.

Instead, the government wants the condemnation of Hamas from everyone, which may sound simple in a Swedish context. But for the organizations and people working in difficult contexts, it becomes in practice a choice between aid and an increased risk of being killed by extremists.

Sweden, the EU and the rest of the world need a living Palestinian civil society. They constitute the alternative to the extremists' messages of violence. They fight for women's rights, for democracy and to document crimes against human rights. Without them, our knowledge of the situation on the ground will disappear, as will the alternatives to the extremists' organizations.

In August, I visited Northern Ireland. This year marks 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed. For a long time, no one believed that peace could be achieved, but in the end, there was peace in Northern Ireland. One day, this shall also happen in Palestine and in Israel. We must never stop fighting for that!

(Applause)

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! I want to start by welcoming Håkan Svenneling's opening remarks here in the debate - he called for a sensible debate and composure. I believe this is very important right now, because there are very many emotions, even justified ones, surrounding this conflict. I think we have been able to keep it at a reasonable level. But it is also important that we have proper transparency, accountability, and a critical attitude toward much of what surrounds this conflict.

I want to start where Svenneling finished regarding the figures and the assessments of the suffering and the number of dead we are now seeing. We are all aware that many of the figures that are now being provided to the rest of the world come from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. It has become increasingly clear that it is difficult to verify these figures.

Therefore, I would like to take the opportunity to ask Håkan Svenneling how he reasons regarding the fact that he was very quick to tweet that Israel was behind the attack on the hospital in Gaza, for example, when it later emerged that they did not have military activity in the area and that it was likely a stray Hamas rocket that caused the destruction.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! It is a known truth that the first thing to disappear in war is the truth.

I referred very clearly in my tweet to AP, which is the world's largest international news agency. Their initial report, which I proceeded from, was that it was an Israeli bombing. In my tweet, I never wrote that Israel was specifically responsible for the bombing of the hospital, but I stated in general terms that Israel needs to be held accountable for its actions, which in several cases are suspected to be war crimes according to a number of international organizations. Therefore, an independent investigation by the International Criminal Court was needed.

After a couple of days, when the situation became a bit clearer, as Aron Emilsson is pointing out, I removed the tweet because I thought it could be perceived as misleading. I do not regret writing it, but with more facts on the table, I did not think it contributed to a good debate, which is what I want to achieve.

I still think that everyone should condemn Israel for its bombings of Gaza, for the blockade of Gaza and for the occupation. I hope that Aron Emilsson will one day join that political line.

(Applause)

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Aron Emilsson (SD)

Madam Speaker! In my first speech, I highlighted the importance of protecting and saving civilian lives and expressed a great thank you to everyone who is now doing what they can in that context. Naturally, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief were needed. In hindsight, a great deal will also be able to be investigated in a better way than during an ongoing war and an ongoing conflict.

But I stand unconditionally for Israel's right to defend itself. Here we are dealing on one hand with a democratic state with a democratically anchored defense and civilians who have been attacked, and on the other hand a terrorist organization, which does not even recognize Israel's right to exist or the Jews' right to exist, live, reside and act in Israel.

For this peace process, two parties are required. Hamas does not even recognize Israel's existence. The question also goes to Håkan Svenneling: How can one negotiate peace when one of the parties wants to destroy the other? It is an important question.

We have seen that the Left Party's aid foundation has channeled aid further to one of these organizations, DFLP, which has participated in and also supported Hamas in the terror attacks against Israel. I want to hear how Svenneling responds to this and if he distances himself from this.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! There were many questions, so it will be tough for me to manage in one minute, but I will do my best.

This matter of investigating better demonstrates the importance of having civil society organizations, NGOs, on the ground in Gaza. It worries me from the bottom of my heart when the government, with the support of the Sweden Democrats, cuts aid to Gaza. It will make it harder for us to know what has happened and to obtain independent information. Then we end up in a situation where the truth is controlled either by the Israeli military or by the terrorist organization Hamas.

When it comes to the importance of recognizing Israel as a state, I think Emilsson is right. It is very important to mark that Israel as a state has a right to exist, so does Palestine. This is the problem when, for example, Netanyahu in the UN shows maps without Palestine on them. Then one ends up in a situation where both sides are very far from the possibility of creating peace. Therefore, we need to change that dynamic and find parties who want peace. Netanyahu is not interested in that. He has never been interested in dialogue with Palestine, and therefore we stand where we stand today.

(Applause)

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! The Left Party has in debate articles and in other ways strongly opposed a pause and a review of the Swedish aid to Palestine. Subsequently, it has emerged that the Left Party's own aid organization has for several years financed projects with links to the DFLP, which has been confirmed to have been involved in Hamas's bloody attack in Israel.

The project aimed to strengthen young women and human rights, it is said, but participants in the project have instead participated in a terrorist attack with gang rapes, humiliation, kidnappings and murders of, among others, young women. The fact is that I have probably never heard of a project with poorer goal fulfillment. Does Member Svenneling still not think there is reason for a review of the aid to Palestine?

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! Nothing indicates that the money has gone to the party in question, rather the money has gone to a youth platform where DFLP has been one of several parties. The project is now concluded. I would say that it was actually a successful project where we strengthened young women's opportunities at Västbanken - one must be clear that it concerned Västbanken - to develop and learn about equality, feminism, and human rights.

Without knowing exactly what every single participant is doing today, I find it difficult to imagine that any of them could have participated in Hamas's attack, rather it was DFLP's branch in Gaza that was part of it. I find this loathsome, and it is something that we condemn. We will never have anything to do with this party in the future, because this is completely unacceptable.

I do not think that one should make any pause or review, because it affects the Palestinian people. It will lead to us weakening Palestinian civil society, which constitutes the counterforce to Hamas and other extreme terrorist organizations and which stands up for women's rights, democracy and human rights. The problem today is rather that one has a civil society that is too weak, not one that is too strong.

(Applause)

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! The Swedish government has now, in view of the Hamas attacks, tasked Sida with carrying out a review of the aid to Palestine to ensure that no Swedish funds go to actors who do not unreservedly condemn Hamas or who engage in violence, threaten or encourage violence against the state of Israel or its population or pursue an antisemitic agenda or to persons who have dealings with such actors. The humanitarian aid, which is guided by humanitarian principles, has not been paused.

Member Svenneling still does not think there is reason for this very reasonable review of the aid to Palestine, not least since the Left Party's own aid organization feels it has been misled?

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! The Left Party's international forum will answer the questions that Sida has asked, both specifically regarding the project and generally regarding cooperation. At present, we have no ongoing project in Palestine.

The problem with the review that the government has initiated is that it also covers humanitarian aid. It creates concern among the actors, who do not know if the government will continue with humanitarian aid. Morgan Johansson has, throughout the entire debate, tried to get answers from the government on whether the humanitarian aid will be increased but has not received any answer. This is where we stand.

We end up in a situation where you have an intention with your review, but you do not understand that you are in a difficult context. You think that everyone should behave as if they were here in Stockholm and from this be able to condemn Hamas. I believe that we need to strengthen civil society in Palestine. We need to strengthen the human rights defenders who give us knowledge and facts about what is actually happening on the ground and have alternative information instead of that which is spread by Hamas organs. But we do not get that information, because you are choking off the aid to these actors.

(Applause)

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Håkan Svenneling, for the answers so far! I actually intended to pick up where the previous exchange ended.

Just a few seconds ago, Håkan Svenneling said that we are acting towards aid recipients in Palestine as if they were located here in Stockholm. The fact is that there are a lot of organizations here in Sweden - they cannot blame the fact that they are under death threats from Hamas or similar - who have also not succeeded in unreservedly condemning Hamas's terror. They have not succeeded in taking an unreserved stand. The organizations located in Sweden can hardly blame the same things as those located in different parts of Palestine.

My question is whether Vänsterpartiet is for withdrawing grants and support to various organizations in Sweden that cannot unconditionally condemn Hamas.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! I am quite convinced that even the person from the Swedish side who manages an aid project in a country will likely travel to that country to carry out their aid project. It is about being in a context when one provides the support.

I mean that the government's requirements risk increasing the pressure on aid actors and increasing their risks. In that case, money will have to be spent on security arrangements instead of on actually carrying out what is to be done.

I fundamentally believe that everyone should condemn Hamas, especially political parties, political leaders, and so on. But I am not sure that we should demand it of every aid organization, which may just want to be an independent party in a conflict.

We see that the International Red Cross is extremely skilled at operating in difficult environments. It is precisely because they never take sides. They manage to remain independent. I believe that many aid actors would fundamentally like to be that. It is about focusing on the goal and not on whom one must condemn and take a stand against. Such things can be handled by political parties such as Liberalerna and Vänsterpartiet.

(Applause)

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! The question remains. There are other organizations than those that provide aid in these places. For example, we have seen how the chairman of Fritidsgårdarnas riksförbund failed to take an unreserved stand against Hamas. Should such an organization then be able to receive support?

We have seen how representatives from different parts of Vänsterpartiet have failed in the same way. I know that Håkan Svenneling himself has been involved in trying to sort this out, but the question remains. There are organizations that absolutely do not have activities in Palestine, for example Fritidsgårdarnas riksförbund. Should such an organization be able to receive support if one does not unconditionally distance oneself from Hamas?

I also want to get a clarification. In a previous exchange of remarks, Håkan Svenneling called Hamas a militant group. I wonder if Håkan Svenneling stands behind the position that Hamas is a terrorist organization that should be condemned.

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! Yes, Hamas is a terrorist organization with the aim of destroying Israel as a state. Therefore, it is not a party we should have anything to do with.

But I do not believe in the logical line of reasoning that Joar Forssell has tried to launch, that is to say, that one can, so to speak, bomb an organization of terrorists into oblivion and make it disappear. I believe that one must address the roots of the problem. It is about why people join Hamas. In the humanitarian situation prevailing in Gaza, with a growing sense of hopelessness, it is easy for extremists to provide simple answers.

I am horrified by all those who are unable to make the condemnations. I trust that we have authorities who can make assessments regarding individual grants to individual organizations.

I have been very upset by the party comrades who I believe have expressed themselves in a way that I cannot stand behind and that I do not think represents Vänsterpartiet. Vänsterpartiet is very clear in that we want both Israel and Palestine to exist and that there should be a two-state solution through a peace negotiation. But right now we are very far from that point. We must fight to get there, and then the best thing is to stop the Israeli ground invasion of Gaza.

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Kerstin Lundgren (C)

Madam Speaker! The terrorists knew what they were doing when they chose their action on October 7 to, among other things, prevent the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. They also sought, and succeeded in, fueling hatred and fear for the other. They wanted to spread the horrors of terror to many and also undermine an already weak Palestinian authority.

We know that during the last decade, frustration has increased among many Palestinians - over an increasing lack of political leadership and faith in the future. Here it is important that Sweden and other countries do not give up but have the strength to provide assistance and that one does not further worsen an already difficult situation on the West Bank or for that matter in Jordan and Lebanon.

Therefore, it is important that we are clear that the aid to Palestine shall not be frozen, stopped, or cease. From the Center Party's side, we welcome that the aid is being scrutinized. We have welcomed it previously. We have asked questions previously, and we have received the answer that no aid goes to Hamas or other terrorist organizations. Remember that it is not only Hamas that exists in the region! Many of the worst terrorist organizations we know are here. It is important that no Swedish tax money goes there. It is just as important as not sending Swedish tax money to the Taliban in Afghanistan, to give another example.

We must get clarity here. The aid must be resumed. During this time, we must also be clear that we are increasing the humanitarian support to Gaza. Otherwise, the conflict will escalate.

(Applause)

The speech at riksdagen.se, in Swedish (opens in a new tab)

Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! Sweden and several other countries have witnessed demonstrations that must be perceived as support for Hamas. During these demonstrations, the chant "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is often heard, the execution of which would mean Israel's total erasure from the map.

It is worrying that such messages are spread on streets and squares in Sweden, but unfortunately not surprising.

It is of the utmost importance that we Swedes, who now give our full support to Israel, simultaneously actively combat the growing antisemitism spreading here at home. Threats and increased insecurity for Jews and Jewish communities in Sweden, as a consequence of the Middle East conflict, is unacceptable. It threatens the possibility for people to live openly as Jews in our country.

It is very positive that the government, together with the Sweden Democrats, has allocated additional funds to increase security around Jewish institutions and synagogues, but it is deeply regrettable that it is necessary. The state has an absolute duty to ensure the physical security of these places, and it is pleasing that the government takes this seriously.

As said: Israel did not start this war. Nor have they asked for it, just as little as Jews in Sweden have done.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! The year 2023 has been one of the deadliest years on the West Bank. Over 300 people have been killed so far this year.

Benjamin Netanyahu took power once again to escape trials regarding his corruption scandals. This time, he has taken power with even more far-right parties, originating from the most extreme parts of the settler movement.

Several of Netanyahu's proposals are about making it easier for settlers to use violence against Palestinians without being prosecuted. Several attempts have been made to push through a reform to undermine the principles of the rule of law in Israel. The number of settlements is now increasing rapidly while Palestinian homes are being demolished.

In August, half of the Christian Democrats' parliamentary group traveled to Israel, where they met Benjamin Netanyahu. For my part, I would probably have abstained from that visit, but you looked very happy to meet him. I wonder what the Christian Democrats' message to Netanyahu was regarding the settlements in the West Bank and their increased violence against Palestinians.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Håkan Svenneling, for the question! I was personally on the trip, but because there was a meeting with the Foreign Affairs Committee on the same day that the meeting with Netanyahu took place, I was not present in that room.

We met many actors, including from opposition parties. We also met actors who were involved in the demonstrations. That is what is so fantastic about a democracy like Israel: that one can actually have different opinions and that it can be discussed. We really tried to find out what the basis of the conflict regarding the demonstrations is about. It is multifaceted. Therefore, I am glad that we had the opportunity to speak with different actors about that question.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! It is very well that the Christian Democrats also met the opposition in Israel. But that is not an answer to the question of what the Christian Democrats' message to Netanyahu was. In the articles that were published, you gave the impression that you met the opposition but, above all, that you had met Netanyahu as a person.

It is obvious that the Christian Democrats have a naive view of Benjamin Netanyahu. It makes it difficult for Sweden to be a bridge-builder in the region. When it is clearly perceived that you take a stand for him and his policies, it contributes to Israel's position continuing further to the right, ever closer to the far-right settler movement.

I believe that Sweden could be a voice to reduce the violence in the region, but then one must speak plainly with Netanyahu. I do not feel confident that you Christian Democrats are capable of doing that, because you have not in any comment managed to show a clear criticism of the policy that Netanyahu pursues.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! Today Israel is led by Netanyahu but in a coalition government. I believe that is very important in this situation, especially considering what will come forward. It is likely that we will see a long-term conflict, and then it is very good that there is a breadth of actors in a coalition government in Israel to handle it.

Håkan Svenneling raised the question of balance from the Kristdemokraterna side and from the Swedish side. It is well precisely this that has been the problem. Sweden decided on its own initiative to recognize the state of Palestine. That was done in the belief that it would mean that everyone else in the EU would follow suit, which has not happened. On the contrary, Sweden was perceived as very extreme in one corner of the issue. I believe that our visit meant that there became a bit more breadth and balance.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Thank you to both Member Berntsson and to the Kristdemokraterna for the clear support for the Middle East's only democracy, Israel!

I actually have two questions. Both have been raised in the debate earlier, and I believe that the Christian Democrats are prepared for this.

One question concerns protected objects in Sweden. We have a situation today where particularly vulnerable Jewish sites are being very threatened. We believe that one must be able to make these into protected objects so that one can have security guards, who are armed, to protect them. I wonder if the Christian Democrats stand behind that.

The second question concerns arms sales. We mean that if we are to be able to have a two-state solution, if we are to have peace and if we are to ensure that Israel can defend itself, then Sweden must also open up for arms sales. The fact is that we should open up for arms sales to all democracies, but in this debate I want to pose the question to Member Berntsson what the Christian Democrats think about this proposal.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Joar Forssell, for the question! Joar Forssell is not a person who usually keeps quiet, so he has already whispered that question to me earlier this week and wondered how we Christian Democrats are doing. I therefore raised the question with our member in the Committee on Justice, who promised to look into it. The question is therefore being prepared, but it sounds like a way forward that could be possible.

When it comes to the question of being able to sell weapons to Israel, the fact is that today Sweden has purchased weapons and, above all, protective equipment from the Israeli side. Therefore, I do not think that question is as complicated. If one is prepared to buy weapons, perhaps one also needs to be prepared to sell weapons. It is, in any case, something that ISP needs to be able to take a position on in its work with the regulations that apply.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Many thanks, Magnus Berntsson! That is a pleasing announcement from the Christian Democrats. In the Liberals, we have been pushing for the legislation that exists today and which I and the member from the Social Democrats debated earlier regarding precisely a democracy criterion.

In addition to the democracy criterion that exists, we also want a rule where we prioritize democracies and say that we, as a rule, sell weapons to democracies.

Israel is the Middle East's only democracy, and it is clear that it becomes very strange in the debate, Madam Speaker, when there are those who are happy to talk about Israel's right to defend itself, who are happy to talk about a two-state solution and about having to get rid of Hamas, but at the same time want to deny Israel the means required to solve these tasks.

You cannot have a two-state solution if there are not two states. You cannot have an Israeli state if Israel does not have weapons to defend itself with. It is just simple logic.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! I have not much more to say other than that we Christian Democrats have also pushed the issue of the democracy criterion for a long time regarding arms sales.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! At the same time as we see the consequences of Hamas's despicable act of terror and at the same time as we see the horrific abuses against civilians in Gaza, things are also happening in the West Bank that are not directly related to Israel's retaliation against Hamas. It is rather something that occurs in the shadow of Hamas and that follows a horrific pattern when the world is focused on a single spectacular event at a time.

Just hours after the attacks on October 7, settlers on the West Bank began to drive Palestinian shepherds and farmers off their lands. Cars were attacked with automatic weapons, and olive trees have been cut down, in the middle of the economically most important part of the year for the Palestinians, namely the olive harvest.

Since October 7, more than 100 Palestinians, of whom 32 are children, have been killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers in the West Bank. In the village of Wadi al-Seeq, three Palestinian men were arrested by soldiers and settlers, assaulted, stripped, and urinated on, all while the rest of the world focuses on what is happening in Gaza.

Hamas' horrific attacks, Israel's disproportionate response, and the settlements' de facto continued expansion in the midst of a burning conflict make a two-state solution appear increasingly impossible.

Madam Speaker! It is now required that Israel stops the bombings and ceases the blockade so that real humanitarian corridors to Gaza can be established. It is required that Hamas and other groups immediately cease rocket fire and release all those held hostage. It is required that real talks are initiated for a permanent ceasefire. It is also required that regional and global actors act forcefully for a de-escalation of the violence and for the resumption of peace talks. And finally: It is required that the occupation ceases.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Jacob Risberg, for both contributions!

And with the fact that it was discovered that the Left Party's aid organization managed to have projects together with terrorists, it can be stated that Sida's controls in this case were not sufficient. If it has happened once, it could have happened several times even in other projects.

Miljöpartiet was responsible for aid issues in a previous government for many years when these specific payments were carried out. In view of that, I would like to ask Member Risberg if he still does not think there is reason for a review of the aid to Palestine.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Member Berntsson, for a very important question! It is of course the case that reviews are carried out all the time of the aid that Sweden provides. This also applies to the aid to Palestine. One has been very careful over the last decades to really scrutinize what the money is used for.

This is a review that takes place continuously. However, to stop the aid when it is needed most is completely insane, because it is precisely now that we see the catastrophic consequences of food not coming in and of civil organizations not being able to help with their work and so on in the Palestinian territories. Now, more than ever, the aid is needed.

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Magnus Berntsson (KD)

Madam Speaker! The humanitarian aid is not paused. The humanitarian aid that was given as an example is very important and is based on completely different principles, namely humanitarian principles. This applies to the Swedish humanitarian aid, and so it will continue to be. As we heard from the Minister for Foreign Affairs earlier, a review is being conducted on whether more will be needed in this situation. It is incredibly important.

I think perhaps Member Risberg takes it a bit lightly that we actually discover in hindsight that such large errors have been committed. Is that not a reason to conduct a review in the acute phase? Otherwise, it could mean that Swedish tax and aid funds go to the wrong groups.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! "So many errors" is perhaps a bit misleading in this context, because the potential mistakes that have occurred and which my colleague from Vänsterpartiet has accounted for in previous debate contributions constitute some fraction of a percent.

To stop all aid from the outside instead of reviewing what can be adjusted is completely insane. To stop all aid to the Palestinian organizations because some per mille of the aid has ended up in the wrong hands is a form of continued collective punishment.

(Applause)

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Thank you, Jacob Risberg, for the speeches so far!

Madam Speaker! The other day, whether it was yesterday or the day before, we could see how the organization Fridays for Future spread a number of grossly anti-Semitic tropes from its central Instagram account.

Fridays for Future is an organization that Miljöpartiet has had a lot of interaction with. Yesterday, we could see how a representative for the same organization posted a message with the meaning that the martyrs did not die in vain; defend their cause unreservedly - by reason of what is happening in Israel and Palestine right now, the war between Israel and Hamas.

Does Jacob Risberg and Miljöpartiet distance themselves from and condemn the statement?

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! I thank the member for the question.

Antisemitism is never okay, regardless of in what form it occurs.

I also want to state that Fridays for Future is not part of Miljöpartiet, and I take no responsibility for how they act in various issues. It has occurred that we have participated in the same demonstrations on the climate issue, but they must take responsibility for their statements at this stage. We do not give any money to Fridays for Future; and they receive no money from us. We have no economic ties whatsoever. The question should rather be asked of Fridays for Future than of us in Miljöpartiet.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! Antisemitism is never okay – that is an understatement. But we will have to take as much of a distancing as we can get from the Green Party regarding Fridays for Future's appalling spread of antisemitic tropes.

Another organization that I know Member Jacob Risberg has been involved with previously is the Palestine groups. They have also failed to unequivocally condemn Hamas's terrorism. With that in mind, I wonder if Miljöpartiet and Jacob Risberg are capable of distancing themselves from the Palestine groups when they do not unequivocally condemn Hamas's terrorism. Can one continue to have dealings with organizations that are unable to unequivocally condemn terrorism? How difficult should it be?

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Madam Speaker! I thank Joar for the additional question.

Of course, I want everyone to distance themselves from terrorism, even in this case. On the other hand, there are different reasons why different organizations choose to express themselves in different ways. We have seen examples previously, namely that in order to act as an independent party in Gaza or on the West Bank at all, it is not possible to say certain things about Hamas. Then, for various reasons, one is attacked. That is of course not okay, but it is not up to me to review how other organizations express themselves in the conflict. As long as they distance themselves from all killing of civilians and attacks against civilians, that goes a long way.

Of course, I want more people to take a stronger stance against the attacks we have seen from the Hamas side. I would also like to see more people distance themselves from the terrible suffering that civilians are experiencing now, especially in Gaza.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! I would like to use my second speech to talk about the appalling humanitarian situation prevailing in Israel and in the Gaza Strip. I want to begin by emphasizing that every life extinguished is always a tragedy. There is no line of conflict on this in Swedish politics, rather it is something that everyone agrees on across party lines.

We must work to ensure that the humanitarian situation improves and is not as horrible as it unfortunately is. I want to take a little time to emphasize what I said in my first speech, namely that one must place the moral guilt and other types of guilt where they belong. We know that Hamas has access to fuel that could be used so that hospitals can get electricity or for clean water. We know that Hamas has dug up water pipes, and we know that Hamas has bombed power stations that produce electricity and energy to the Gaza Strip. We know that Hamas steals supplies that otherwise would have kept ordinary Palestinians alive. They must truly be condemned for this.

There are no military bases to bomb on the Gaza Strip. When Israel resists, defends itself and its people, one is forced to bomb structures where there are civilians. But it is Hamas that places civilians as human shields, and it is Hamas that fires rockets from schoolyards - and this must be condemned.

I also think it is worth underlining that Sweden must stand ready if Israel requests help in the form of humanitarian aid for, for example, the many people who have been forced to move. It is also a very large humanitarian catastrophe that is ongoing right now.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! I thought we would engage in a thought experiment, namely if Joar Forssell had been a Palestinian in Gaza. Then he would have experienced his first Gaza war when he was 15 years old. Four years later, new bombs had rained over Gaza, and then again two years later. In April 2021, two and a half years ago, new bombings took place following rocket attacks from Hamas. So now, in 2023, Gaza is likely experiencing even worse bombings. Five times in 15 years is the result for the blockade of Gaza.

Now Israel has decided on a complete blockade; no food, no electricity and not even water may pass the border. The UN and the EU state that the blockade likely violates international law and warn of a humanitarian catastrophe.

I think it is time for the rest of the world to be clear towards Israel. Powerful pressure is required to stop the far-right Israeli government's plans for displacement and ethnic cleansing. I wonder what MP Joar Forssell thinks should be done so that children can grow up in Gaza without being bombed.

(Applause)

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! The short answer is to break Hamas's occupation of the Gaza Strip. If I were a Palestinian who grew up in the Gaza Strip, I would have demanded that the Left Party in Sweden took a stand for Qatar to extradite the leaders of Hamas, took a stand for Egypt to open the border, took a stand for Hamas to lay down their weapons. There will be peace if Hamas lays down its weapons. If Israel lays down its weapons, Hamas terrorists will flood over the border and murder Israelis indiscriminately. If Hamas lays down its weapons, there will be peace. If the Palestinian side in the conflict agrees to the peace agreements that are presented, there will be peace.

It is not so difficult to imagine that those who want peace and freedom in that part of the world would demand that Hamas's occupation of the Gaza Strip cease, that Hamas stops putting its people in this dreadful situation, that is to say that Hamas lays down its weapons. It is only then that peace can be achieved.

(Applause)

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Madam Speaker! It is true, as Joar Forssell says, that Hamas has a responsibility. If Hamas acted in a different way, we could move towards a peaceful solution.

It was however interesting that Joar Forssell noted that an occupation of Gaza is ongoing. Then he noted that it is Hamas that is the occupier. But the debate has nevertheless taken a step forward.

Gaza is in practice an open-air prison. There is nowhere to move where there are safe zones. There are 2.3 million people living there. Israel is bombing in the north, in the south, in the middle of Gaza - everywhere. And the shelters are overcrowded. When Joar Forssell thinks that Israel's response is correct and proportionate, one wonders how many thousands must die before Joar Forssell changes his opinion and thinks that the children in Gaza should not have to be killed. Of the 7,000 who have now been bombed to death, 67 percent are children and women. It shows that Hamas has succeeded in using human shields and that it is the civilians who suffer from Hamas's and Israel's bombs.

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Joar Forssell (L)

Madam Speaker! I said in my opening statement that Hamas occupies Gaza. I also said it to Håkan Svenneling on the radio the other day. The member has therefore heard this before.

Every civilian victim is a tragedy. That must be emphasized. I emphasize it time and again, and I hope that Vänsterpartiet takes that to heart. But I do not think it is possible to avoid the fact that it is Hamas that bears the responsibility when they use people as human shields, start a war and use civilian infrastructure for military purposes.

Speaking of proportionality, there is a legitimate reason for Israel. One has the right to defend oneself, and one has a duty to defend oneself. One must strike at targets that Hamas uses. Then one must weigh this against civilian casualties. It is a tragedy, but one cannot look at it overall and say whether this is or is not in accordance with international law. One must look at each individual case. Which military targets have been achieved? Which tragic victims have been harvested?

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Madam Speaker! I have earlier in the debate spoken about the importance of avoiding regional spread of the conflict. There is a great need for de-escalation in the region as well as here at home, where the polarization is great and the contradictions are increasing.

No one in Sweden should have to be afraid of living a Jewish life in our country or have to hide their Star of David out of fear for their own safety. We see how antisemitism in Sweden is increasing as a consequence of the developments in Israel. The government therefore decided earlier this week on increased support for the security work of Jewish organizations.

Extremists like Hamas want to see and use contradictions in society between Jews, Muslims, Christians or other groups. They spread antisemitism and disinformation about the Swedish social services and utilize Quran burnings to provoke acts of violence.

The threats against Sweden are serious and affect the country's security. Last week, we were hit by a horrific terrorist act in Brussels, which was directed precisely at Swedes, where two people were murdered and one was seriously injured.

Terrorism is a global problem with global consequences. Human lives are extinguished far too early all over the world because of terrorists. I would therefore like to conclude, Madam Speaker, by thanking everyone who has participated for the balanced and important debate that we have had here in the chamber today.

(Applause)

The special debate was hereby concluded.

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