Response to interpellation 2023/24:795 on expanded rights for Palestine in the UN

Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)

Mr. Speaker! Håkan Svenneling has asked my representative Tobias Billström in what way he and Sweden's government intend to concretely work for a two-state solution, whether he considers it to be in line with the Swedish recognition of Palestine in 2014 to refrain from granting Palestine extended rights within the UN, and whether he will take a stand for a Swedish recognition of Palestine in the UN if such a vote becomes relevant. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I answer the question.

Israelis and Palestinians have an equal right to live in peace and security and to enjoy human rights. The Government believes in the importance of diplomatic engagement and work to reach a peaceful solution. Sweden and the EU, as well as the international community at large, need to adhere to a clear, international law-based policy as a basis for continued efforts in relation to both parties. The Government considers that the EU, together with the countries in the region and other key actors, has an important role in working to make a political process for a two-state solution possible. The work for a negotiated two-state solution is repeatedly high on the agenda at the EU's foreign ministers' meetings.

Sweden abstained in the vote on May 10, 2024, which primarily concerned expanded observer status and procedural aspects regarding Palestine's status in the UN – this in line with like-minded countries such as Finland, the Netherlands, and Canada. I want to emphasize that Sweden's support for a two-state solution has not changed by our vote on this resolution. The steps toward Palestine's full membership in the UN should not only be symbolic but part of a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist in peace and security.

My predecessor has previously accounted for in this chamber the Government's view on and approach to the decision on recognition of Palestine that the then Social Democratic government made in 2014.

The government will take a position regarding a vote on full Palestinian membership in the UN in the event that the application reaches the UN General Assembly. That position will also be taken after an analysis of the conditions for a two-state solution.

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

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! In 2014, Sweden recognized Palestine as a state. That is a fact and a decision that cannot be changed. Nevertheless, it is this decision that has created today's strange race among the right-wing parties to love Israel and hate Muslims. Instead of standing up for international law as they did previously, a questioning and lack of responsibility regarding international law has become the guiding principle for the Kristersson-Åkesson government.

To be extra clear: Carl Bildt recognized Kosovo. The Left Party did not think that was right at that time. But after the decision was made, we accepted it and supported all efforts in Kosovo's state-building. So one can also do that.

The Swedish government is happy to say that it wants a two-state solution. But nothing in its policy indicates that is the case. Instead, the government has, vote after vote, abstained from Sweden's vote or voted against UN resolutions. It is a position that is becoming increasingly unsustainable and which has been noted by the vast majority of countries that see the need for the state of Palestine to have access and rights on the international stage.

It is not two equal states we are talking about. Israel occupies Palestine. Entered agreements are not followed, and conventions are broken on a continuous basis. The International Court of Justice, ICJ, was clear in its decision this summer that Israel's responsibility is to prevent genocide. The General Assembly's decision that the occupation shall end within one year applies, and MR reviews show how Israel violates human rights by having created an apartheid system where rights differ depending on whether one is Israeli or Palestinian.

No one has said that the Palestinian side is perfect. But the problem here and now is the far-right prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government and military. He does not listen to anyone and does everything to cling to power. All military actions are about shifting the focus away from his political failures, his corrupt rule, and the hostages he has forgotten in the Hamas tunnels. He has deliberately carried out a genocide in Gaza. With utter courage, he has bombed, murdered, and imprisoned innocent people. He has choked off their access to food, water, and medicine and transformed Gaza from the world's largest prison into the largest graveyard.

All eyes are now on Lebanon. Lebanon is a fragile state where people pay the price for both their own politicians' and the world's failure to manage the Middle East's crises. So they are killed - by the economy when their savings accounts disappear in corruption, by the port explosion due to irresponsible leaders, by exploding pagers that intelligence services are behind, in complete defiance of international law, and by bombs aimed at extreme groups that have taken over their residential areas.

Now Benjamin Netanyahu has started a ground invasion of Lebanon. It violates international law.

Carl Skau at the UN's food agency World Food Programme has told the media that the UN has prepared for months for this development and to be able to provide for millions of people on the move. They have built up stocks of food and medicines and hope to be able to prevent a human catastrophe.

At the same time, the message from the Swedish government is diametrically opposite. The government and the UD have not prepared anything. They wrote a notice on their website nearly a year ago, and everyone who has not read and followed that advice must blame themselves, the Foreign Minister says. The Swedish embassy was closed and moved to Cyprus, but today it has indeed reopened in Lebanon. No other country has acted anywhere near the Swedish government. It is not through Swedish information either that we know how many people are in Lebanon.

I hope that the Swedish government understands that it is time to save Swedish, Lebanese, Palestinian and Israeli lives.

(Applause)

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

Lorena Delgado Varas (V)

Mr. Speaker! First of all, I want to send a greeting to the Palestinian movement. You stand on the right side of history, and the strength to continue the struggle, we find in each other, in Sweden and in the world.

Let me give you a picture of the movement. We are people with different backgrounds, different professions, different ages and different religions: Christians, Muslims, Jews and atheists - you name it. We are a broad movement united by solidarity and humanity.

When the former Minister for Foreign Affairs left his post, it was a victory. Many of us have fought from day one of the genocide for the Swedish government to in some way show humanity or at least stand up for international law. We never got that from Billström, and unfortunately, we probably won't get it from the new Minister for Foreign Affairs either. It is just more of the same.

We do not find hope here in the chamber or in the government. We find hope among the spectators, among the activists on the street, and in the organizations that fight for people's freedom and civil rights both nationally and internationally.

When peace work and international commitment need to be strengthened, the government sponsors a genocidal state. Kristersson and company feed the occupation, the apartheid, and the genocide of the Palestinian people. The government, together with among others the USA, does this despite knowing that Israel is committing genocide and despite knowing that this allows Israel to get away with something horrific.

Now, in addition to Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and several others are being hit. When will these murderers be stopped? How long will you continue to hold Israel's hand? When is it enough? Is it at the 15,000 identified children? Is it at the 40,000 identified civilians? Is it at the 20,000 missing children? Or is it at the University of Edinburgh's estimate that 300,000 have been murdered in the genocide? When is it enough for the government to impose further sanctions against Israel?

The question from my colleague Håkan Svenneling concerned Sweden's actions in the UN vote on expanded status for Palestine. The Minister gives the same answer as the previous Minister for Foreign Affairs and links Palestine's right to full membership to the two-state solution. But that is absurd. It is not the Palestinians who are standing in the way of a two-state solution today, but it is Israel. It is Israel that does not want a two-state solution. It is enough to listen to the ministers in Israel's government to understand that. So what is it we are talking about? Just as I said to your representative, I mean that if this is the standard, Sweden should be at the forefront of getting Israel to leave the UN. Let us be consistent, at least in what we say and what we do.

(Applause)

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

Malcolm Momodou Jallow (V)

Mr. Speaker! It is with great sadness and deep indignation that I stand here today to address the Swedish government's shameful decision to abstain from voting in the UN General Assembly to grant Palestine expanded status in the organization – a vote that is a clear step toward full membership for Palestine in the UN. The government's decision stands in sharp contrast to Sweden's recognition of Palestine as a state and our commitments to human rights and international law. That Sweden, after 70 years of brutal Israeli occupation, apartheid, displacement, settler-colonialism, starvation, and genocide, does not have the courage to stand up for justice is nothing other than a disgrace and, above all, a betrayal of the Palestinian people and the principle of international humanitarian law.

The Palestinian struggle is a struggle for the most fundamental human rights. It is a struggle of resistance against the suffocating grip of oppressive occupation and the cold-blooded denial of the most basic human dignity. The situation in Palestine is a brutal reminder of the consequences of colonialism and the ruthless displacement of indigenous populations. Despite decades of Israel's occupation and oppression, the Western world has consistently failed to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, and international rule of law.

This hypocrisy becomes particularly clear when we compare the rhetoric and actions against Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine with the silence and complicity regarding Israel's brutal occupation and genocide in Gaza and the West Bank. We see a colonial approach and a racist and superior mentality that permeates Sweden's current government and Western leaders. This is nothing less than shameful.

Since October 2023, more than 42,000 people have died in Gaza, of which more than 16,000 are children. Millions of people have fled from their homes without any safe place to go, and they face starvation and horrific conditions.

We see how Israel indiscriminately bombs Gaza. We see children who have to bury their parents and parents who have to bury their children. We see the bombing of hospitals, ambulances, schools and refugee camps, and more journalists and healthcare workers than in any other war have been murdered in Gaza. No area is safe, and no civilians are safe.

How can Maria Malmer Stenergard and the Swedish government stand behind these actions? Where has the conscience gone? Why this double standard? While we in Sweden condemn Russia's occupation of Ukraine and with all right stand up for Ukraine's right to freedom, we turn a blind eye to Israel's violation of international law, its occupation and oppression. This is not just hypocrisy, but it is false solidarity. How can we speak of human rights and international law if we simultaneously ignore the Palestinian people's struggle for survival? Are Palestinians' lives less worthy than Ukrainians'?

Sweden's decision to abstain from voting in the UN General Assembly is nothing less than complicity in Israel's genocide policy. We must stand up for the Palestinians' right to a free and dignified life. Europe and Sweden in particular must rise up and demand peace, justice, and an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine. It is time for Sweden to take its rightful place as a defender of human rights and international law and stop supporting an occupation that violates all these principles.

History will judge us harshly for our silence and our hypocrisy if we do not act now.

(Applause)

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

Samuel Gonzalez Westling (V)

Mr. Speaker! Not once have I heard Sweden's Minister for Foreign Affairs condemn the war crimes, the bombs on the hospitals, the bombs on the schools, or the dead children. I have, however, heard a Minister for Foreign Affairs in this government call what Israel is doing to Gaza proportionate.

The government has problems voting for a ceasefire. One has problems voting for the occupation to be withdrawn. Not even when the EU pleads for one to accept injured and sick Palestinian children can one vote for or agree to it.

The reason for all of this is the occupation. The only possibility for long-lasting peace is that the occupation ends. If the government had acted from the very beginning and stated demands for a ceasefire and condemned the war crimes together with other countries, it could at least have mitigated the damage somewhat, but that is what they have chosen not to do.

We in Vänsterpartiet have since day one been clear that Israel's war crimes and genocide are not acceptable. It is therefore with great sadness that I can state that Sweden's government stands on the wrong side of history.

(Applause)

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

Stefan Olsson (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you, the interpellor, for the interpellation, and thank you, the Minister, for the answer!

Regarding the very question that the interpellation concerns, I am not worried; it will receive a solution on the day when Palestine is a functioning state. Naturally, Sweden will then welcome Palestine as a full member of the UN. Now, unfortunately, it is not much of a state because it is primarily an authority. Sweden has recognized this state, but some work remains, so to speak.

I would like to take the opportunity to ask another question here. It concerns what the Left Party's actual grounds for movement are for the many interpellations and debate posts on these issues. It is known that the Left Party has a tradition of working for Palestine's cause, but more recently it has also shown that something else has happened, namely that anti-Semitic racism has crept into the Left Party's rhetoric.

It has also been shown that Vänsterpartiet conducted a phenomenally good election campaign in connection with the EU election, and the party leader has mentioned that it went well precisely because of the issue of the war in Gaza. It could therefore be said that Vänsterpartiet is doing this for domestic political reasons. It may be that Vänsterpartiet intends for it to yield votes in Sweden.

It could therefore be a good opportunity right now for Vänsterpartiet to explain why there is racism within the party and explain what the party is doing to root this out. We know that Sweden has unfortunately faced new problems with antisemitism. It is important that the Palestinians' cause is promoted in some way, but it should still be possible to do this without, for that reason's sake, spreading antisemitism.

How does Vänsterpartiet ensure that the party's representatives do not advocate for antisemitic views? I think this occasion is just as good as any other for Vänsterpartiets representatives to explain here in the speaker's chair how the purging of anti-Jewish racism, that is, antisemitism, is taking place within the party itself. I believe this would be good for the party's general credibility in this matter.

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)

Mr. Speaker! The war in Gaza following the terrorist organization Hamas's horrific terror attacks against Israel nearly a year ago has led to unimaginable consequences for the civilian population. It has also caused an increased level of tension in the entire region, which risks a larger regional conflict.

The Government views with great concern the increasing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah as well as the increased tensions between Israel and Iran. The Government urges all sides to exercise restraint.

Through joint diplomatic efforts, we can counter continued escalation and further spillover effects in the region. It is important to support well-considered initiatives that can calm the situation and reduce polarization.

The work to persuade the parties in the Gaza war to accept and implement the plan that has been presented by the USA, which includes an immediate ceasefire, increased access for humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages, must continue. This has been conveyed directly by former Foreign Minister Tobias Billström and myself to Israel's Foreign Minister as well as in conversations with other regional actors.

Sweden, together with the rest of the EU, has been very clear in its support for the American efforts. A ceasefire can also have calming effects in the region. The Government is, of course, following the ongoing negotiations very closely.

At the same time, we need to look beyond the acute crisis situation and focus on measures that can lead to a genuine peace process. This includes stopping recurring cycles of violence, addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, and contributing to increasing trust between Israelis and Palestinians.

Hamas, which has been listed as a terrorist organization by the EU for over 20 years, must cease its acts of violence. The Government supports and actively participates in the work ongoing among the EU's member states regarding further restrictive measures against Hamas.

All Palestinian groups that wish to play a role in a future Palestine must, as the Palestinian Authority has done, distance themselves from violence and terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist and adhere to the agreements that have been entered into with Israel on the Palestinian side.

Israel, on the other hand, must stand by the two-state solution and cease its settlement policy, which violates international law, undermines the two-state solution and contributes to an elevated level of conflict.

It is also established in the International Court of Justice's opinion from July 19 this year that the increased violence from extremist settlers is particularly concerning. That is why the EU has introduced sanctions against precisely these individuals and organizations, which is something that Sweden has actively given its support to.

Israel must also do more to follow the rules of international humanitarian law regarding the protection of the civilian population, and this has both I and former Foreign Minister Billström clearly conveyed to the Israeli Foreign Minister. Billström has also been, and I will continue to be, clear that even the International Court of Justice's decision on provisional measures must be complied with.

To strengthen the conditions for a resumed peace process, it is also essential that Palestine addresses the lack of democratic legitimacy and national unity that has actually constituted an obstacle to progress for many years. Sweden and the EU need to continue to consistently and with great clarity emphasize the importance of Palestine holding national elections and achieving intra-Palestinian reconciliation. There is also a great need for Palestinian reforms to strengthen the rule of law, human rights, and equality. These are issues that I had the opportunity to discuss in more detail with Palestine's Foreign Minister last week.

(Applause)

In this speech, Ann-Sofie Alm (M) concurred.

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

Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! The steps should not be merely symbolic, says the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The fact is that the resolutions that Sweden has either voted against or abstained on have been more than symbolic.

The vote that took place on May 10 led to Palestine leaving its observer status in the UN and becoming a state with the right to submit proposals for resolutions in the General Assembly. It was also what happened on September 18 when Palestine, together with other states, followed up on the International Court of Justice's decision from July and the UN General Assembly in a broad majority clarified that both Israel and other states, such as Sweden, have a responsibility to follow the judgment.

Despite the Foreign Minister's words that she considers the decision in itself to be important, the Swedish government does not seem to have been particularly impressed by the resolution. Instead of following the commitments not to facilitate Israel's occupation of Palestine, the Swedish government is considering purchasing Israeli weapons - likely in violation of international law. You risk making us complicit in crimes against international law and, in the long run, in genocide, Maria Malmer Stenergard.

What should Sweden then do to concretely work for a two-state solution? Yes, the first thing is to demand a permanent ceasefire. It is quite absurd that we have not yet heard that demand voiced by Sweden's government.

That Sweden could demand unimpeded humanitarian access to and in Gaza, we have heard. Today's situation leads to mass starvation and a horrific humanitarian situation. The government should stop smearing the UN agency UNRWA and instead commit wholeheartedly to getting both supplies and hope for the future to Palestinian refugees. Furthermore, that the government has denied the EU's request to receive the wounded and sick from Gaza is an inhumane decision that shows a total lack of empathy.

Sweden should also stand behind South Africa's application to the International Court of Justice. The legal processes are incredibly important for holding those responsible to account. Sweden should also increase the financial support to the courts ICJ and ICC.

The EU should suspend or terminate the association agreement that gives Israel favorable conditions in trade with the EU. That Israel has advantages today is quite absurd. Sweden and the EU must switch and increase the pressure on Netanyahu, and in that case, sanctions and withdrawn advantages are the right way to go.

Then the military ties to Israel must be broken. That we have a military attaché in Tel Aviv is absurd. That we purchase weapons material from Israel and do not have control over our export of red dot sights is frightening. It is time for an arms embargo against Israel. We must stop an ongoing genocide.

Mr. Speaker! All the demands I have now described have been raised by the Left Party in a motion that we will table in the Riksdag tomorrow and which we call Israel's genocide in Gaza.

Mr. Speaker! When Sweden recognized Palestine, we were the first country in the EU to recognize Palestine as a state. Now other states in the EU and Europe have followed suit: Norway, Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta recently recognized Palestine as an independent state. In other parts of the world, many countries have already recognized Palestine. A recognition of Palestine provides palpably better conditions for a functioning peace process.

It is distressing that the current government is moving in the opposite direction and shows an unwillingness to provide real conditions for Palestine as an independent state in peace and freedom. I also note that the Foreign Minister here today is backing down when it comes to the words used, Mr. Speaker. Both she and Member Olsson use words like "the authority". That is not correct Swedish. Sweden has recognized Palestine as a state. We call it the State of Palestine.

(Applause)

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Lorena Delgado Varas (V)

Mr. Speaker! I want to begin by pointing out that it is clear that the Minister makes distinctions between people. And it is not only the Minister, but the government makes distinctions between people both nationally and internationally. In this robot-like manner, the government would not have commented if it concerned persons who are "more like" Minister Malmer Stenergard.

Israel are the ones who must stop the violence and the genocide. It is Israel's responsibility, and I wish the minister were more honest regarding the power dynamic between Israel and Palestine. The biggest problem is and has been that Israel has had total power over Palestine. Palestine has not had its rights respected.

The Israeli government has several times announced that they will level Palestine and that Palestine will not exist. Israel has thousands of Palestinians - children, women and men - in concentration camps where they are tortured, raped and murdered. They deliberately bomb civilian areas and come with the same excuse every time: Hamas. Now that practically every Palestinian in Gaza lives in flight, people live in tents on the streets, and even they are bombed with that excuse.

Israel is committing war crimes time and again and does not respect international law, and your silence is complicity, Malmer Stenergard. No one will be able to pretend that they didn't know. It concerns Billström, it concerns Kristersson, and it concerns you now, Malmer Stenergard.

If we want to achieve a solution with Palestine, their power and voice must count.

(Applause)

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Malcolm Momodou Jallow (V)

Mr. Speaker! On the topic of racism, I believe that the Moderaterna should sit down and be silent. The Moderaterna are leading this country with a party that was built by Nazis. The Nazis killed 6 million Jews. In that case, one should not lecture other people about Nazism or antisemitism, but instead, one should sit down and be silent.

The Prime Minister only spoke the other day about how the hatred against Jews is much more serious than the hatred against Muslims. Why do the Moderaterna hate Muslims? Why is there so much Islamophobia in this chamber and in the government?

I would also like to comment on a previous statement made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, namely that it is easier and less problematic "to receive those who are like us." I would like to ask for a clarification of this statement. Who is the Minister for Foreign Affairs referring to when she says "us"? Who does she mean by "them"? Does she mean that people from, for example, Ukraine represent "us" while Palestinians or other groups represent "the others"? How does the Minister for Foreign Affairs justify this division, and what is her position on the racist undertones in such a statement?

Is there a connection between this reasoning and Sweden's decision to abstain from voting in the UN to give Palestine extended status in the organization and support their ambition for full membership? How can Sweden and the Foreign Minister, in light of the ongoing human rights violations and Sweden's alleged commitment to international law and human rights, justify their decision to abstain?

How can we look on and refuse to take a stand to stop Israel's occupation when civilians, especially women and children, are dying and suffering without necessary care? More children and women were killed in Gaza in one year than in any other conflict in the world. When my colleague Lorena stood here and spoke about how Palestinians are being killed, murdered, and raped, the Moderaterna sat and laughed. This is serious. It is not a joke. People are dying - take it seriously!

(Applause)

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Samuel Gonzalez Westling (V)

Mr. Speaker! I am saddened when there is applause in this chamber over the flatness that the government shows in the face of the fact that people – children – are being murdered by the thousands on an assembly line. They are not only being murdered with rifles and bombs; they are being murdered with starvation as a weapon.

We heard here how the Foreign Minister means that one urges all sides to restraint. Is it not appropriate that Sweden's government should start setting tough demands on Israel that the massacre that is ongoing at this moment ceases immediately?

(Applause)

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Stefan Olsson (M)

Mr. Speaker! The two-state solution is, as said, the only thing that can ultimately bring peace to the region. But let me point out that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran do not believe in the two-state solution. These organizations – in Iran's case a state – also do not follow international humanitarian law, which I know the Vänsterpartiet speaks warmly for. The organizations fire rockets at the civilian population, and they use human shields to defend themselves against the Israeli forces. This, too, is a violation of international law.

A number of Left Party members have been at the rostrum, and many minutes in this debate have been spent barking at the government and accusing Israel of committing crimes against international law, but not a single time has any Left Party member spoken about the crimes that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran are committing. I mean that this shows that the Left Party is totally one-sided. The party is undermining its credibility. Therefore, there is reason to wonder why the Left Party wants this type of debate. It seems to be for domestic political reasons.

Jonas Sjöstedt stood in May this year side by side with the chairman of Vänsterpartiet in Angered, who we know invited representatives of PLFP, a terrorist-classified organization, to his annual meeting. You must answer that at some point.

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)

Mr. Speaker! I believe that the atmosphere both in this chamber and in the world will become much better if one tries to listen to each other and to what the other says.

I listened to Håkan Svenneling, and he said that the government should stop smearing UNRWA. I can tell you that one of the biggest arrangements I was part of last week at the UN Week was a seminar that I organized together with Jordan's Foreign Minister and which was solely about drawing attention to UNRWA and asking countries to support them.

Sweden is the world's fifth largest donor to UNRWA. It was obvious for the government to stop the payments when suspicions of irregularities and that money went to terrorist organizations emerged. But the payments have since been carried out after better transparency and control have been created in the organization.

I think it is very serious if one accuses the government of not having a commitment to the support for UNRWA. It was the eighth year we participated and organized this seminar. Even the UN Secretary-General was there and spoke, and I am very happy about that.

I move to the question that the interpellation actually concerns. Palestine has had the status of observer in the UN since 2012. The resolution from May 10 means that Palestine receives certain expanded rights as an observer in the UN. For example, Palestine will now be placed among the member states at UN meetings, in alphabetical order. Palestine also receives the right to make statements on behalf of a group in the UN, the right to present amendments to resolutions, as well as the right to join co-sponsors. Palestine still does not have the right to vote in the General Assembly and cannot run for UN bodies. The resolution therefore primarily concerns procedural aspects regarding Palestine's participation in the UN.

The Government considers that the steps towards Palestine's full membership in the UN should not only be symbolic but part of a political process that can lead to a two-state solution where Israel and Palestine can coexist in peace and security, and since the resolution did not sufficiently clearly reflect the necessity of a negotiated two-state solution, Sweden chose, in line with several like-minded countries, to abstain. Sweden's recognition of Palestine and support for a two-state solution was therefore not changed by our vote in connection with this resolution.

According to Article 4 of the UN Charter, states are admitted as new members of the organization by a decision of the General Assembly. The decision must be preceded by a recommendation from the Security Council. The resolution from May 10 was presented in the General Assembly against the background of the USA's veto of a Security Council resolution on full Palestinian membership in the UN. I can state that the General Assembly resolution from May 10 contained a request to the Security Council – where the issue is to be addressed first – to handle the issue again. It is, however, a fundamental prerequisite that there is support in the UN Security Council for both a two-state solution and a full Palestinian membership in the UN.

If a formal application for full membership reaches the UN General Assembly, it means that none of the permanent members of the UN Security Council opposed it. It also means that it has the support of at least nine Security Council members. Such a scenario would likely mean that the negotiating position between the parties is so good that a sustainable negotiated two-state solution is possible. Such a future potential scenario can, however, only be speculated about in the current situation.

In conclusion, it is an extremely serious accusation to say "Why do the Moderates hate Muslims?", and I cannot accept that in this chamber at all.

(Applause)

In this speech, Ann-Sofie Alm (M) concurred.

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Håkan Svenneling (V)

Mr. Speaker! I get the feeling that the Moderates in this chamber have not really listened when it comes to our clarity regarding international law. We submitted this interpellation precisely because we want to strengthen the party that does not carry out any terrorist attacks and does not contribute to any escalation of the situation, but is instead the state that is actually trying to gain control over its territory but is under occupation. That is the state of Palestine. That is why it is about more than symbolic actions and procedural issues. One must support the state of Palestine, because it is a matter of creating two equal parties that together one day can end the occupation within a year and establish a peaceful two-state solution.

It may seem like a very harsh debate today, even though we agree on the two-state solution – but it is because you vote incorrectly in the UN. It is because you do not pay out the money to UNRWA. One can talk as much as one wants about us being the fifth largest donor when the money is sitting in Swedish accounts.

We criticize you for that you consistently never criticize Israel and Israel's actions but are only focused on finding terrorists. Furthermore, you do not care about the Swedes who are in Lebanon and you smear people who are from the Middle East. That is why we come with our criticism.

We are clear about racism. Racism affects Jews, Muslims, Christians - everyone. That is why we talk about racism. But the Prime Minister is starting to make a distinction between antisemitism and Islamophobia, and it is one of the most dangerous developments we are now seeing in this country. Furthermore, Sweden has received a Foreign Minister who is starting to conduct the Sweden Democrats' policy abroad by spreading this hatred in the international debate. It worries me deeply, and that is why I think it is regrettable not to receive any information on what the reasonable path is to build a two-state solution with Palestine and Israel as functioning states in peace with one another.

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)

Mr. Speaker! The war that is currently ongoing has made the two-state solution even more important. Such a solution is in the interest of both Israel and Palestine. The alternative of continued violence and conflict serves no one.

A ceasefire in Gaza is also a prerequisite for cooling down the situation between Israel and Hezbollah as well as for achieving a more lasting de-escalation in the region as a whole. The government is convinced that it is only through a negotiated two-state solution with a firm people's anchor in international law, with Jerusalem as the capital for both states, that Israel and Palestine will be able to live side by side in peace and security within internationally recognized borders. This is, of course, a very laborious and difficult task that feels extra difficult in these times, but the government sees no other way forward.

Mr. Speaker! Let me say two things in conclusion. It is difficult to thank you for the debate. I do not think it has maintained a sufficient level as this chamber deserves. It is highly regrettable that it is suggested that we do not care about Swedish citizens who are in Lebanon. That is exactly what we do. That is why for a year we have advised people against going there and furthermore urged them to actually leave the country, which is the most serious advice we can give.

We are also providing consular support - and we have done so all along - for those who, for example, cannot afford to travel home themselves. There is financial assistance available if one turns to Swedish authorities, which will be on-site shortly.

Mr. Speaker! Dignity has been mentioned several times in the debate. I want to emphasize the importance of dignity in how one expresses oneself even in this chamber. Ad hominem attacks directed at my representative truly do not belong here, and I think one could take a stand against that.

(Applause)

In this speech, Ann-Sofie Alm (M) concurred.

The interpellations debate was hereby concluded.

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