Response to interpellation 2024/25:668 on attack on Ship to Gaza
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
M views the attack on the ship Conscience with concern and emphasizes that civilians and aid workers must be protected 1 2 3. M argues that Sweden has a restrictive view on arms exports to Israel and that the government is acting by pushing for humanitarian aid in the EU and providing 800 million in support 1 2 3. M argues that no export of war materiel for Israeli end-use has been granted since October 2023 4. M emphasizes that the conflict requires a peace process and a two-state solution 4. M argues that the government is making a difference by having doubled the humanitarian support to Gaza 4. V argues that the government's passivity is unacceptable 5 6. V demands that the attack be condemned immediately, that an independent investigation is required, and that all military cooperation be terminated 5 6. V claims that the government is hypocritical as Swedish components are used in weapons against civilians 6. V believes that Sweden must stand up for international law 7.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! Lorena Delgado Varas has asked me and the government how we view the fact that a civilian vessel in international waters is subjected to an armed attack. She has asked if we intend to condemn the attack on the vessel, if we intend to call in Israel's ambassador to clarify that attacks on civilian aid shipments are unacceptable, and if we intend to act so that the vessel receives protection to continue its journey.
Delgado Varas has also asked whether we will demand an independent international investigation and whether we are prepared to immediately terminate all arms trade and all military cooperation with Israel on the grounds of the incident and other violations of international law.
Madam Speaker! What is unfolding before our eyes is the worst humanitarian situation in Gaza since the start of the war. The war's unimaginable consequences for the civilian population must come to an end, and a ceasefire must be achieved. That no humanitarian aid was let in for more than ten weeks is completely unacceptable. The Israeli government must immediately allow humanitarian aid in accordance with Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law.
Sweden is working together with the rest of the EU on this. The Government also continues to demand that all remaining hostages be released immediately and unconditionally.
The Government views with concern that a ship was attacked in international waters off Malta on 2 May. This is serious, and we assume that the relevant authorities in several states, including the flag state and states with affected citizens or legal entities, will establish the facts and take appropriate measures.
Let me take this opportunity to emphasize that the government continues to stress that civilians, aid workers, and healthcare personnel must be protected and respected, in accordance with international humanitarian law. Humanitarian aid must never be used as a means of political or military pressure.
Sweden has a restrictive view on the export of war materiel to Israel. In practice, no permits have been granted since the 1950s, with the exception of follow-on deliveries of such materiel that were not considered war materiel in the original transaction. It is the Inspectorate for Strategic Products, ISP, which is the competent supervisory and licensing authority for war materiel exports and which makes a holistic assessment in each individual case as long as there are no unconditional obstacles.
Lorena Delgado Varas (V)
Madam Speaker! More than 18 months of genocide have passed. Therefore, I must continue to express my deep shame over the government's passivity in a matter concerning international law, human rights, and above all, the Palestinians' right to a dignified life.
During the night of May 2, the civilian aid ship Conscience was attacked by armed drones in international waters off the coast of Malta. The ship, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, of which the Swedish Ship to Gaza is a part, was on its way to Gaza with humanitarian aid. The attack caused extensive damage, including fire and holes in the hull. Fortunately, no serious personal injuries were reported.
That a civilian ship with a humanitarian mission is attacked constitutes a serious violation of international law. It is not the first time Israel has committed such acts against the Freedom Flotilla. We do not forget that the Israeli state in 2010 murdered 10 activists and injured 50 in international waters because they attempted to reach Gaza with supplies.
Flotilla has repeatedly requested an independent international investigation of the incident but has been denied such. The Maltese accident report confirms that the attack came from the air and that no weapons or dangerous substances were on board. Despite this, neither the EU nor Sweden has taken the initiative for an independent review.
The Foreign Minister's statement expressing concern about the incident is insufficient. When a civilian vessel with a humanitarian mission is attacked in international waters, more than concern is required. Action is required. The Government should have condemned the attack immediately, summoned Israel's ambassador, and demanded a full investigation, especially since Swedish activists were also to participate. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the Government has not clearly signaled against the vessel being denied access to ports in the region, which has, among other things, hindered the possibilities for repairs.
This is not about a single ship, but about principles – about the right to assist a starving population during a genocide, about the protection of civilians in international waters, and about standing up against abuses regardless of who commits them. The government's silence and passivity on the issue is unacceptable. I urge the government to immediately condemn the attack on Conscience. The Minister can do it here and now. It is only a matter of saying a few words.
Call up Israel's ambassador to clarify that such attacks are unacceptable! Condemn the ongoing genocide! Demand an independent international investigation of the incident! Work to ensure that the ship receives necessary protection and access to port! Cancel all military cooperation and arms trade with Israel now!
When a relief ship is attacked during an ongoing genocide and the government remains silent and does not condemn it, it does not only betray international law – it betrays the Swedish people. We need a Swedish government with total moral integrity, not the one we have today.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! As we have said, we have taken note of the media reports that a ship was allegedly attacked in international waters off Malta on May 2. This is, of course, serious. According to reports, four civilians, though none Swedish, were on board. It is clear that we on the government's side continue to follow the incident.
The ship was on its way to Gaza, where the suffering is completely devastating. It is extremely serious that Gaza is once again threatened by famine. The government's position in the situation is very clear. We have also raised the tone further. It is clear that the Israeli government must do more to live up to the rules of international humanitarian law regarding the protection of the civilian population.
Within the EU, Sweden has pushed for the Israeli government to allow humanitarian aid in. The aid that has been allowed in since May 20 is far too small. Much more is needed. The needs are absolutely enormous. In order to increase the pressure on the Israeli government, the government welcomes the proposal for a review of Israel's compliance with Article 2 on human rights in the association agreement with the EU. The government also condemns the statement by Prime Minister Netanyahu that Israel shall take control over the entire Gaza.
It is central that Israel ensures that international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights, is followed and that accountability is ensured. The government is also pushing to sanction individual ministers in the Israeli government to exert further pressure.
Sweden demands that Hamas immediately release the hostages and urges the parties to return to a ceasefire and resume negotiations. Hamas cannot have a place in a future government of Gaza. We want to see Gaza and the West Bank united under the leadership of a reformed Palestinian authority. We contribute significantly to building up the Palestinian authority. Hamas's violence and reprisals against Palestinian civilians who oppose them must cease.
Lorena Delgado Varas (V)
Madam Speaker! I must say that it is remarkable that the government continues with evasions in its answers to these questions. I still do not hear a condemnation of the attack on Conscience. I also do not hear a condemnation of the genocide. As the minister says, it is not yet established that it is a genocide, but the truth is that international law requires that governments act when genocide is suspected. We expect countries that follow international law to act.
The Foreign Minister says that they are following the investigation and the developments in Gaza very closely. Then I wonder how you follow this and why you only follow it – this requires action and movement. Until now, the Swedish government has absolutely not acted, regardless of the number of murdered children, regardless of that all hospitals have been bombed, and regardless of that Gaza is totally destroyed.
Now, the fact is that the Maltese government has presented a report. It has been established that the ship was attacked from the air and that there were no weapons on board. The purpose of the voyage was humanitarian aid. What surprises me is that the attack occurred within European territory. Why is it then not important for the Swedish government to act on the issue? If a humanitarian ship is attacked within European territory, why is an international investigation not demanded? And why can one not condemn the attack? I understand that the government has a reluctance to condemn Israel, but one can at least condemn the attack.
While Sweden officially speaks of restrictiveness in arms exports to Israel, we know that war materiel continues to contribute to the military genocide. One example: the Swedish company Aimpoint has during 2024 sold scopes used by the Israeli occupation forces. Thus, children have been murdered with these scopes. Those products are not listed as war materiel according to Swedish law, but they are used in occupied areas during an ongoing genocide.
It is a gap that the Swedish government does not even attempt to close. It is remarkable. To claim that we have a restrictive line when Swedish components are found in weapons aimed at Palestinian civilians is hypocrisy and complicity. It is not neutrality, and it is not standing up for international law.
At the same time, Gaza's population is starving. The UN now warns that over one million people face complete famine. Humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross have repeatedly reported that Israel systematically blocks deliveries of food. Therefore, it is even more meaningful to support Conscience so that it reaches Gaza with what they need.
I mean that you must demand that Israel immediately cease the blockade of life-saving goods to Gaza. Sweden cannot continue to be an accomplice to this. It is time to choose a side. It is time to choose the children's side, the civilians' side, and it is time to choose the side of international law.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! If we begin with the red dot sights, some red dot sights constitute war materiel while others are not subject to permit requirements. Since products that are not counted as war materiel are also not regulated or subject to export control, no permit was needed to export these. Otherwise, I would like to refer to what I said in my previous contribution regarding arms exports, where in practice no new permits have been granted to Israel since the 50s.
The ship Conscience was attacked in international waters off the coast of Malta. In this case, it was reported to be a relief shipment to the heavily tested civilian population in Gaza. Regardless of the ship's purpose, it is naturally very serious if civilian shipping is threatened.
Sweden upholds the law of the sea and international law, even if it may sound different in the debate from my political opponents, and we uphold the freedom of navigation. We note that no Swedes were on board the ship at the time of the attack, but we naturally view it very seriously. It is important that incidents of this nature are properly investigated. As I have just mentioned, I assume that the responsible authorities take the measures that are required.
Civilians must always be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Medical personnel and healthcare transports enjoy a special protection under international humanitarian law. The enormously important work that the humanitarian personnel in Gaza do under extreme conditions has also cost many aid workers their lives.
The Government strongly condemns attacks against aid workers and continues to reiterate that healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel, including UN personnel, must be protected and respected.
Then I must return to a question. I am fully aware that Lorena Delgado Varas is not convinced of the government's excellence. But to say that the government is doing nothing is directly incorrect. To provide 800 million in support to Gaza and the region this year is not to do nothing.
We are one of the world's largest donors of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the region. It is truly important. Then, I am also incredibly frustrated that the aid is not getting in. But we are using our voice individually and together with others, not least in the EU, to now press Israel so that the aid can get in.
Lorena Delgado Varas (V)
Madam Speaker! I think that words are not enough. It is time to act. Even if one tries to throw up the figure of 800 million, and that was also done in a previous interpellation debate, those funds do not go where they are needed most, because Sweden has blocked UNRWA. Even if the organizations receive money, it ultimately does not reach them because they are blocked.
Regarding the sanctions, one must either change the law, or perhaps one can only stop all trade to Israel. It could be a statement from the minister that I would appreciate.
Finally, I want to direct my final words in the debate not specifically to the Foreign Minister but to everyone listening, both here in the chamber and out in the country. We are currently seeing a wave of civil courage in Sweden and around the world. Students at the universities have raised their voices in protest against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. They demand that their universities terminate cooperation with Israeli institutions. It is a peaceful, moral, and academic boycott, an act of non-violence, just as Freedom Flotilla has said.
What do they encounter when they stand up for international law? It is not support and not attentiveness. They are met with silence or police with batons on university campuses. People who stand up for Palestine lose their jobs and assignments. That silence scares me the most of all. We in this country who are so eager to talk about human rights do not stand up for them when they are truly tested.
I am thinking about the man I met in Skärholmen. He told me that he has a sister in Gaza. He told me that he can only reach her via SMS. Two days ago, he received an SMS: We are starving. What can he do? What can we do? Start by not closing your eyes. Start by standing up for international law, Minister!
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! As I mentioned, Sweden has a restrictive view on arms exports to Israel. The Inspectorate for Strategic Products, which is the authority that examines exports, has not issued any permit for the export of war materiel for Israeli end-use since October 2023.
The sanctions that apply in Sweden are decided by the EU or the UN, and those decisions are followed by Sweden. The EU and the UN have not decided on any general sanctions against Israeli companies or defense companies.
The war in Gaza reminds us once again that the conflict between Israel and Palestine cannot be resolved with violence. What is needed is an end to the hostilities and a resumed peace process that also leads towards a negotiated two-state solution.
As I have said earlier today, it can feel very far away. But we must not give up. We must seize upon the constructive forces that exist in the region.
I am very questioning of what Lorena Delgado Varas said just now: Words do not help. It is time to act. On that, we are in complete agreement. Still, the entire debate has been about, on one hand, demanding that I should condemn this and that with words. On the other hand, one completely neglects what the government does for real that makes a difference.
Then I am not least speaking about the fact that we have doubled the humanitarian support to Gaza and the region. The fact that we are one of the absolute largest humanitarian donors to Gaza, Lorena Delgado Varas, is making a difference.
It is clear that I am also frustrated. I share the frustration that many in Sweden feel that the help is not reaching. Every day we turn on the TV and are met with the terrible suffering. For me, it is truly action that counts and not just words.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.