Response to interpellations 2023/24:139 and 147 on Sweden's view on the Israel-Gaza conflict

Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! Azra Muranovic has asked me several questions regarding Sweden's work to protect children in the Israel-Gaza conflict, including whether I consider that crimes against international humanitarian law are being committed in the Gaza Strip since 40 percent of the killed civilian victims are children, and how I, in that case, intend to act on the issue and what measures I and the government take to ensure that children's rights, as established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, are respected and protected in this armed conflict, which also spreads to the West Bank and other areas in Israel. Jacob Risberg has asked me why Sweden abstained in the UN vote, how I view Israel's role as an occupying power and its responsibility to protect civilians in the occupied territories, as well as whether I intend to take any measures based on my standpoint and act so that Sweden lives up to the principle of responsibility to protect.

I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathy for the civilians, including many children, who have fallen victim in the conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas.

The Swedish government, together with a united EU, has consistently urged both sides to respect international humanitarian law and protect the civilian population. Direct attacks against civilians and civilian property are not permitted. Principles of distinction between military targets and civilian objects, proportionality, and precaution must always be applied. Children shall, according to international humanitarian law, be specially protected given their vulnerability. Hospitals, medical personnel, and humanitarian personnel also enjoy a special protection.

The government has unreservedly condemned the terrorist organization Hamas's attacks against Israel. We have also demanded that the hostages, including children, be released immediately and unconditionally. Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza must not hide behind the innocent and use them as human shields. The government has clearly asserted Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas's horrific attacks, but also that Israel's legitimate response must occur in accordance with international humanitarian law, which, among other things, means that civilians should be protected as far as possible.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is alarming. The civilian population is undergoing very severe suffering. The responsibility rests heavily on Hamas. The government is also deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the Israeli blockade. It is of utmost importance that full and unimpeded humanitarian access is ensured and that water, supplies, fuel, and medicines are allowed through.

Against the background of the very difficult humanitarian situation, the government recently decided on an additional 150 million kronor in humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. In addition, Sida has decided on an additional 60 million kronor in humanitarian aid. The support goes to the most vulnerable groups, with the needs of women and children in focus, and contributes, among other things, to acute healthcare, social protection, access to food, health, psychosocial support, maternal care, water and sanitation. Sweden's humanitarian aid to Palestine has previously had a special focus on vulnerable children.

The resolution on a humanitarian ceasefire adopted in the UN General Assembly on October 27 lacked both a clear condemnation of Hamas's terrorist attacks against Israel and a reference to Israel's right to defend itself. This contributed to Sweden choosing to abstain from supporting the resolution, together with a majority of the EU's member states. Sweden and all member states in the EU, as well as the USA, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland, voted in favor of an additional proposal from Canada to the resolution. The additional proposal, which condemned Hamas's terrorist attacks and demanded an immediate release of the hostages, was however not adopted.

Sweden, the EU, and the international community will continue to carry out intensive diplomatic efforts to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, full and unimpeded humanitarian access, and the release of hostages, as well as to avoid a regional escalation. Sweden and the EU have also, prior to October 7, clearly stood up for Israel's legitimate security needs. At the same time, we have also been clear that Israel has an international law responsibility for the population under its control. The settlement violence in the West Bank has increased since October 7, which is very serious. Renewed efforts are needed for a sustainable peace, which also includes Gaza. The EU and Sweden see, in the long term, no other way forward than a negotiated two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine can coexist in peace and security.

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

Azra Muranovic (S)

Mr. Speaker! As we can see, there are several members who have gathered here today to participate in the interpellation debate. It concerns the war raging in Gaza, which we are all following in real time on TV, on the radio, and on our social media. It is a good and important debate that is taking place. It engages and evokes strong emotions. It is incredibly sad and deplorable that this situation has led to the debate.

I want to express my deep sorrow and my sympathy for the civilians whose lives have been lost and all the relatives who are in deep sorrow and shock. I want to particularly express my immense sorrow and compassion for all the children affected by the conflict. I myself have been a child in war. I know how it feels to live in constant, second-by-second, terror during a conflict. I also know what wounds are created and that one has to live with and struggle with for their entire life. This is appalling.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs has been clear that the government has unreservedly condemned the terrorist organization Hamas, just as we Social Democrats have also done. The attacks must be condemned. There is no but, if, or how regarding the issue. To attack civilians in such a brutal and indiscriminate way and then post Reels on social media is not only terrifying. It is also ruthless and lacks respect for human dignity.

I welcome that Sweden uses all its diplomatic channels to ensure that those who have been taken as hostages are released, with an emphasis on children who are in Gaza. But it is regrettable that the same committed language and urgency are not reflected in the interpellation response when it comes to the Gaza strip.

In the interpellation answer, the Minister for Foreign Affairs states: "The Government has clearly asserted Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas's horrific attacks, but also that Israel's legitimate response must be in accordance with international humanitarian law, which, among other things, means that civilians shall be protected as far as possible."

Not all too long ago, the Foreign Minister also appeared in the media where he expressed that Israel's military response was proportionate, i.e., in accordance with international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, we can all see with the naked eye that it is the civilian population that is paying the highest price in the conflict.

The Israeli blockade where water, medicine, fuel and other supplies have been stopped has, according to the Foreign Minister, been a cause for concern for the Swedish government. But for those affected on the ground, it has been a dizzyingly rapid catastrophic development that has undoubtedly placed Gaza in a completely new dimension of humanitarian crisis.

These methods have been strongly criticized by humanitarian organizations for being a collective punishment that has primarily affected women, children, the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities.

Until last week, more than 10,000 Palestinians had perished. 25,000 people were reported to be injured. And many are still trapped under the rubble after the bombing. 1.5 million people have lost their homes.

Since October 7, several human rights and women's rights organizations on the ground have witnessed how groups such as women, girls, small children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly are those who have been hit hardest in this war. In this conflict, more than 6,000 women and girls in Gaza have lost their lives. UNFPA estimates that there are 50,000 pregnant women who need reproductive health interventions. 5,500 women are expected to give birth within the next 30 days. And an average of 180 births occur daily.

I cannot discern answers regarding what measures the government is pursuing to actually establish children's rights in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. I would very much like to have concrete answers. What tools has the Foreign Minister used in his diplomatic channels?

(Applause)

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

Jacob Risberg (MP)

Mr. Speaker! Today's interpellation is about responsibility. I want to begin by saying that a heavy responsibility rests on both Hamas and Israel not to escalate the situation so that even more civilians are affected. But a responsibility also rests on Sweden and the international community. We must make joint efforts to put a stop to the spiral of violence that we are now witnessing. How this looks and what we choose to do is crucial for how the development will look in Palestine and Israel. Even what we choose not to do is significant.

Mr. Speaker! On October 27, Sweden chose to abstain in the UN General Assembly when the Assembly voted on a resolution urging the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law. The Foreign Minister points out in his response that, among others, Norway together with Sweden voted for Canada's addition to that resolution. When that addition fell, Norway chose to vote for the resolution in its entirety, but Sweden chose to abstain.

On 31 December 2022, Sweden abstained when the same assembly voted on a resolution to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territories and assigned this investigative responsibility to the International Court of Justice.

Mr. Speaker! Since Israel launched its counterattack against Hamas, at least 15,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed. More than 30,000 are injured, and nearly 4,000 people are missing and are presumed to be buried under the rubble. Half of these are children.

Israel is now acting in a disproportionate manner and is causing civilians great suffering and distress. Israel has effectively cut off electricity, access to water and fuel, as well as the import of food and medicines. The concessions that Israel has made in the form of humanitarian pauses and that they allowed trucks through when the border with Egypt was opened are far from sufficient.

It is the Green Party's position that we must do everything to get Israel to stop the bombings and end the blockade so that real humanitarian corridors to Gaza can be established. Israel has a right to defend itself against terror. But that defense must be in accordance with international law and in a way that minimizes the number of civilian casualties. We have seen through the four major wars that have been fought in Gaza in recent decades that this has so rarely been the case.

Mr. Speaker! How should the international community act when a state uses a right protected under international law, namely Israel's right to defend itself, to simultaneously act in a way that is in conflict with international law? That is what we see today when Israel forcibly displaces civilians and bombs hospitals and other civilian targets. How many civilians must die before the international community says stop?

It is concerning that so few world leaders are now criticizing Israel. It is a betrayal of the Palestinian people and all the civilians who are currently experiencing a hell on earth.

Mr. Speaker! How does the Minister for Foreign Affairs view Israel's role as an occupying power and its responsibility to protect the civilians in the occupied territories?

(Applause)

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

Nadja Awad (V)

Mr. Speaker! According to the UN, a child is murdered in Gaza every ten minutes. Since the Foreign Minister began this interpellation debate at 12:00, a child has therefore been murdered in Gaza by Israel's war machine. And repeatedly, the Foreign Minister has had the nerve to say that Israel is acting proportionately. But, Mr. Speaker, is it ever proportionate to murder children, make children orphans, mutilate children, besiege children and displace children from their homes?

Five years is the most common age that the occupying power and apartheid state Israel has killed until now. It is thousands of Palestinians. 40 percent are children. Seven out of ten are women and children. Israel forcibly evacuates the Palestinians from their homes. Hospitals, refugee camps and schools in Gaza are attacked. Israel has besieged the entire Gaza. Medicine, food and water cannot get in. And among the people who have been killed in Israel's airstrikes in Gaza are over 100 employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

Mr. Speaker! Does this still sound proportionate for the Minister?

It is becoming clearer and clearer that Israel is committing war crimes against the Palestinians and clearer and clearer that this government is defending this. In fact, nothing is being done about the state of Israel currently acting as the most violent criminal in the entire world. One defends Israel's so-called proportionality by abstaining from the vote in the UN General Assembly on a ceasefire in Gaza while 120 UN countries voted in favor, such as Norway and France.

This government's catastrophic foreign policy does not end, for in the midst of the ongoing war against the Palestinians - on October 25, to be exact - the Swedish Armed Forces entered into a billion-kronor agreement with the Israeli weapons company Elbit Systems.

Mr. Speaker! The government acts and expresses itself so brutally, so terribly, so empathetically and so perfectly in power that I am left speechless. It is about how much they have adopted the dehumanization of the Palestinians and also contribute to it. They obviously do not see Palestinians as human beings with self-evident rights. When one does not see a group of people as human beings, such terrible things can happen, and the perpetrator can get away with it. History has taught us that. Six weeks have passed and 75 years.

One might ask if the government and the Foreign Minister want to be remembered historically as deniers of war crimes. The government has never even admitted that there is a suspicion that war crimes are being committed by Israel, despite it being clear that their actions are not in accordance with international law.

If Minister Billström says that direct attacks against civilians and civilian property are not permitted, the Minister can safely acknowledge that in the current situation, war crimes are being committed against the Palestinians in the form of murder, blockade, and ethnic cleansing. Because that is what we are witnessing right now. It has escaped no one. We have seen the images. We have seen the videos. Therefore, my question to the Minister is: Does the government agree with the UN, Amnesty, and Human Rights Watch that Israel is committing war crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza? I want a clear answer - yes or no.

(Applause)

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

Stefan Olsson (M)

Mr. Speaker! When I read the interpellations and listen to the debate contributions, I get the firm impression that what the interpellants want is for Sweden's government to take a stand against Israel's warfare in Gaza. Not against Israel's right to defend itself, for that right they have certified that they stand behind, but rather the acts of war that Israel employs.

Member of the Government Risberg writes in his interpellation that Israel is acting disproportionately, that is, subjecting the civilian population to unnecessary suffering and thereby violating the laws of war.

Member of Parliament Muranovic argues, in turn, that the government is unclear when it condemns Hamas's terror attacks but says nothing about what she believes could be Israeli war crimes.

Should Sweden then take a stand on this issue? Should Sweden say that Israel is committing war crimes? My answer to that question is a clear no. Instead, I want to commend the government for having acted cautiously. In order to be able to comment on whether someone has committed a war crime, it requires far more than hideous images appearing on one's mobile phone.

Here, they present interpellations submitted to the government that show obvious deficiencies. For example, the interpellants have for some reason forgotten, or completely concealed, what is the primary cause of why so many civilians have had to lose their lives. The interpellants speak of Israel's actions, but the primary cause, the very driving force of the war, is Hamas's combat tactics which consist of using the civilian population as a human shield.

At this point, it is no longer possible to deny that Hamas has established one of its military headquarters in a tunnel system directly beneath Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa Hospital. American intelligence services have confirmed this with their own independent sources.

Has this tactic come about by chance? Of course not. It is intentional. The human shield is there so that many civilians will die. After that, hideous images will be broadcast across the world so that one can say that Israel murders children. The own population is sacrificed as ammunition in a cynical media war. It should also be pointed out that it is a war crime in itself to use the civilian population as a human shield. The interpellants do not notice this either.

Mr. Speaker! It may also be said to be wise of the government not to have entered into the debate about which acts of war should be considered disproportionate. The interpellants are already themselves convinced that Israel's acts of war are such. But how do they know that?

International humanitarian law, or the laws of war as we also commonly say, states that a country that has been attacked has the right to defend itself. Acts of war shall be directed against military targets, and one shall do what can be done to avoid civilian casualties.

To get a sense of what war actually looks like, one can compare it with another case. I am thinking here of the battle for Mosul which was fought during 2016 and 2017. It also took place in densely built-up areas. The Iraqi army fought its way house by house with the help of American air support. Crushing the Islamic State was necessary, but came at a high price. It is estimated that 11,000 civilians died in the battles - a terrifying figure.

Mr. Speaker! As I see it, we will only be able to determine in hindsight what has been illegal acts of war. The Government is acting wisely and cautiously.

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

Johan Büser (S)

Mr. Speaker! Today's debate takes place under very serious circumstances. I share much of what several previous speakers have expressed. This applies in particular to my Social Democratic colleague Azra Muranovic, who has taken the initiative for this interpellation debate.

I also want to take this opportunity to express my deep sympathy to all those who are now affected by this horrific war, regardless of where they come from. I have personally met people here in Gothenburg who have been affected. They have relatives and friends in the area and have lost loved ones.

The situation in Gaza is appalling from a humanitarian perspective. We also see how the West Bank is being affected. The settlements are increasing. Over 1,000 people have been affected and displaced since October 7. We still also have the hostages who have been taken by the appalling terrorist movement Hamas. There are currently few signs of light in this appalling conflict.

The international community therefore has a great responsibility to act and uphold all people's right to human rights, democracy and an opportunity to live their lives in peace and freedom.

Mr. Speaker! I am pleased that the Minister for Foreign Affairs is clear in his reply to the interpellation that Sweden will continue to conduct intensive diplomatic negotiations and efforts to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. I also think it is good that the Minister for Foreign Affairs is clear that there is no other way forward than a negotiated two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine can coexist in peace and security.

It is important to say this in this chamber, because we see that Israel's Netanyahu rejects the idea of a two-state solution. We also have individual members of parliament who no longer stand up for the two-state solution. I think that is serious, and therefore I want to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs that the line is clear and distinct regarding this.

The problem, and we who have followed Israel have seen this for a long time, is that words rarely have consequences. It is rarely the case that what we say and what we demand of Israel is followed up on: that international humanitarian law must be followed, that the occupation must end, and that we must now achieve a two-state solution. For this, we have worked for many years. Both parties must be responsible for a two-state solution. Both Israel and Palestinian representatives must take this responsibility.

I saw a statement the other day by Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, where he says: "Such a process should be initiated immediately by Israel reaching out to Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the Palestinian Authority, and offering to resume negotiations on an interim agreement, or even a final agreement for a two-state solution [- - -] History will not forgive us if, at this critical juncture, we do not offer peace despite the tragedy of war."

Therefore, my question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs is partly whether he shares this view from Ronald S. Lauder, who is the chairman of the World Jewish Congress, and partly what efforts Sweden will undertake in concrete action, beyond statements. Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs contact Israeli representatives with this perspective, which has also been presented in the interpellation response? How does the Minister for Foreign Affairs see the path toward a two-state solution so that we can achieve a long-term sustainable peace over time?

(Applause)

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Lorena Delgado Varas (V)

Mr. Speaker! It has now been 40 days of nonstop bombings, shutoffs of electricity, no food and no water. Over 12,000 have been murdered. Actually, we have no real figure. It is probably many more, and many, many of them are children.

Mr. Billströms answer is not directly a complete answer. We from Vänsterpartiet asked the minister whether Israel's actions were proportionate. The answer that the minister gave in the Nordic Council led to a KU report.

I had hoped that it would lead to a revision of the position. But so far, we have not seen that. It is still argued that Israel has the right to defend itself and that the defense is proportionate.

Many countries are now demanding a ceasefire, and they are only becoming more and more. I wonder a bit what is required for the government to condemn Israel's war crimes and demand a ceasefire. It is now over 6,000 children who have been murdered, including Swedish children. But we have heard nothing about this from the government's side.

Will the government support the International Criminal Court's, ICC's, investigation regarding Israel's war crimes? Will the government also assist Swedish soldiers and commanders who have chosen to participate as part of the occupation force IDF and who may have participated in the murders of the over 6,000 children?

(Applause)

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

Morgan Johansson (S)

Mr. Speaker! I want to start by thanking Azra Muranovic and Jacob Risberg for taking the initiative for this debate. We follow the developments day by day, and this affects millions of people in the Middle East and also tens of thousands of people in Sweden with ties to Palestine and Israel.

Israel has the right to defend itself against the terrorist organization Hamas, and the organization must release the hostage it took on October 7. The acts of terrorism on October 7 must be condemned unreservedly. That is what we Social Democrats have said from day one, and I believe that the vast majority agree on that.

But I also hope that we can agree that in warfare, civilian targets may not be attacked, that civilians must be protected, and that hospitals are not legitimate targets for warfare. We can also note that up to 10,000 civilians have so far perished in the fighting, that several UN employees have been killed in a shorter period than ever before, and that a large number of journalists have also died. This points to the fact that war crimes have been committed, but one war crime does not justify another war crime. That is not how international law works.

The International Criminal Court is now in place and has the important task of assessing this issue. And in order for it to be able to do so, there must be some form of ceasefire. Some form of ceasefire is also required to get in the supplies that are now needed, namely fuel, food, medicine, so that the population can survive. Therefore, it was a mistake for Sweden not to support such a proposal in the UN, but instead, it abstained. It should have done as Norway and France did, namely supported the proposal. Now perhaps there will still be a ceasefire. A resolution went through tonight in the UN Security Council in that direction. But it is not Sweden's credit that it will be so - unfortunately.

I am deeply concerned about the situation in the West Bank. It is a Palestinian area, but it has been carved up over decades by illegal Israeli settlements. It was even to the extent that Netanyahu's government had plans, in defiance of international law, to expand further and move in hundreds of thousands into the Palestinian areas. It had also aimed to totally make a two-state solution impossible in the future.

Furthermore, we now see how militant settlers have been armed with automatic weapons, and it seems that they perceive that they have free hands to harass and kill Palestinians in the West Bank. It is completely unacceptable, and it sabotages all possibilities for a peaceful development.

Israel must take control of the militant settlers. One must ensure that their harassment of the Palestinians ceases, and it is Israel's responsibility as an occupying power to do so. If the extreme settlers are not restrained, the violence will escalate further, and then we can expect a large-scale escalation of violence there as well.

Is the Foreign Minister prepared to condemn the settler violence that we are now seeing and to push the issue in international forums together with other countries so that the violence can come to an end?

(Applause)

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

Alexandra Völker (S)

Mr. Speaker! I would also like to begin by thanking the interpellants for two incredibly important interpellations.

The population in Gaza has already been living under extremely difficult living conditions with severely restricted rights, in great poverty and in vulnerability. A recurring description of Gaza has been that it is like an open-air prison.

After the horrific terrorist attack that Hamas carried out on October 7 this year, the situation for the people in Gaza has escalated. Over 10,000 people have been killed, and every day 400 children are reported killed or injured. There are now 4,324 children killed, and that figure is also several days old and is expected to be even higher now.

As the situation currently unfolds, it is with horror that one asks how many human lives will be lost. How many children will lose their lives? Then there is also the question of what will remain at all for those who survive. It is about children who have lost both their parents and their homes. Families who hardly had anything before now have absolutely nothing - not even each other.

In this difficult situation, we must hold extra firmly to the tools we have. We must stand up for international law and for minimizing the number of civilian casualties, and we must support the UN's efforts at headquarters in New York and on the ground. During the past weeks, nearly 100 UN staff members have lost their lives while working to provide support to the most vulnerable. Despite this, both UN organizations and other organizations continue their work on the ground.

The UN's aid organization for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is one of the organizations where employees risk their lives to support the most vulnerable on the ground in Gaza. Right now, thousands of people are hiding in UNRWA's schools from bombs and fighting.

One and a half million Palestinians are currently living in exile in Gaza. Half of them are children. In this completely desperate situation, we must absolutely not reduce the support to UNRWA. Despite that, we are now receiving information that 80 million of the 150 million that the Foreign Minister spoke about earlier are funds that have been redistributed from UNRWA. This means that more than half of the money comes from them, that money is being taken from UNRWA and given to other organizations. Why does the government choose, in that situation, to redistribute funds from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees?

At the same time as UN employees risk their lives on the ground every day, negotiations are also being conducted at the headquarters in New York. As Jacob Risberg explained earlier, and also in the interpellation, the UN General Assembly voted on October 27 on precisely a resolution calling for the protection of civilians and respect for international law. It was a vote where Sweden chose to abstain. We Social Democrats want an explanation as to why Sweden chose to abstain instead of voting in favor, in the same manner as Norway and France.

(Applause)

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Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (V)

Mr. Speaker! I thank the interpellants for taking the initiative for these important interpellations.

It is difficult to find words for what is currently happening in Gaza. Thousands and thousands more people have been killed, and even more have been injured. Over 1 million are displaced without having any safe place to flee to. A majority are women and children. I am particularly deeply moved by the large number of children who are now paying with their lives and their future because of Israel's bombs and attacks.

I am the first to condemn Hamas's horrific attacks on the Israeli civilian population and the taking of hostages, but it is wrong that the entire Palestinian population is now being punished for this. It was not the Palestinian children who carried out the attacks in Israel, but they are the ones who are paying the highest price.

To collectively punish the entire Palestinian population is a clear war crime, and of course, all those responsible for war crimes must be held accountable. This applies to both the war crimes committed by Hamas and those committed by Israel.

Attacking civilians to the extent that is now occurring in Gaza is not justifiable. Israel's attacks are in no way proportionate. The government must take a clear stand against this and demand a swift ceasefire.

How many innocent Palestinian children must die before the government speaks out? Children hide in UN schools, hoping to escape the bombs and the shelling. Children see their parents and loved ones being killed. Small babies who need incubators die in hospitals due to a lack of access to electricity. It is simply terrifying and completely inhuman. I expect the Swedish government to now stand up for the Palestinian children and demand a swift ceasefire. The government must defend the Convention on the Rights of the Child and protect the children.

Freezing development aid to Palestine was a mistake that only benefits Hamas. Swedish aid is primarily used to promote democracy, human rights, and women's rights. It goes to education and peacekeeping forces, i.e., activities and organizations that stand in direct opposition to Hamas. Instead, the aid to Palestine should increase significantly.

I was very happy when the government decided to support Gaza with an additional 150 million. But the joy was short-lived, as I discovered that it is primarily about taking money from other vulnerable Palestinians and redistributing it to Gaza.

The government is taking 80 million from UNRWA and sending it to Gaza. It is an enormous blow to a group of people who are completely dependent on support for their survival. UNRWA has since 1949 supported Palestinian refugees who lost their homes and their livelihoods as a result of the war in 1948. The support primarily goes to schools and education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Now, the government is therefore cutting the support to UNRWA by 80 million and using these funds for disaster relief to Gaza.

It is good that the support to Gaza is increasing, but it must not occur at the expense of the most vulnerable Palestinians in refugee camps. Those who are hit hardest are, once again, primarily the children, who can lose their last hope of a different future with school and education. Instead, expanded support is needed both to UNRWA and to Gaza.

(Applause)

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Peter Hultqvist (S)

Mr. Speaker! This conflict has been ongoing for a long time, since the partition plan in 1948. We have seen countless UN resolutions over the years.

We saw the Six-Day War in 1967, which led to the occupation of the West Bank. Already then, immediately after that war, there were forces in Israel that warned against the development. They saw that Israel would become a permanent and long-term occupier and that it would be deeply destructive. What was created was a long-term and permanent oppression of the Palestinian population.

The two-state solution has been discussed in different rounds from time to time. The Oslo Accords between Rabin and Arafat came on September 13, 1993. Then Rabin was shot. He was killed by an Israeli right-wing extremist and terrorist.

Since then, we have in practice seen no peace process. The whole thing has gone downhill. In some way, it has felt like it is just words when one has spoken about the two-state solution.

The reason is that Israel does not want to. Israel's current government absolutely does not want to. Instead, more houses have been demolished and more settlements have been created. Settlers have been allowed to persecute the Palestinian population. They demolish houses and build settlements. Previously, they also built the wall, which is partly in occupied territory. They are thus sabotaging and undermining the two-state solution. And we see, as said, no peace process.

Why is it accepted in practice that Israel continuously violates international law regarding the situation in the West Bank? If there is to be any two-state solution, as the minister speaks of in his answer, someone must drive it hard, effectively, and in the long term. But who does that in practice? Is Billström prepared to do something, and if so, what would that look like? Is the international community prepared to do something, and if so, what would that look like? And the question remains: Why has one allowed oneself to accept Israel's continuous violations of international law in the West Bank for such a long time?

Hamas has committed crimes against international law. It is a completely unacceptable action, and we completely distance ourselves from this. But we see the development and hear some of the debate. It also cannot be that the correct line is cautious, more cautious, most cautious when it comes to analyzing how things look in the Gaza Strip.

When it comes to humanitarian law, warring parties must always distinguish between civilians and military targets. Every attack must be designed in a way that limits civilian casualties as much as possible. Furthermore, the military advantages of the attack must be proportionate to the risk that civilians will be harmed or killed. The warring parties must take all reasonable precautions to avoid accidentally harming civilians and civilian targets, and the international community has a responsibility. The responsibility to ensure that international humanitarian law is followed lies with the states that have ratified the agreements.

We have 12,000 dead now. It requires no great general education to see the complete demolition of properties of the most diverse kinds in the Gaza Strip and the effects of indiscriminate bombings. One can, of course, say that one should not have any opinion on all of this. But had it concerned Ukraine, we would have had a clear opinion - that it goes beyond all proportions.

Does Billström think that Israel lives up to the principles of international humanitarian law that I have now referred to? I do not think so.

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! It is undoubtedly a catastrophic humanitarian emergency prevailing in Gaza. The civilian population in Gaza lives under difficult conditions, but it did so already before October 7 under Hamas's totalitarian rule and with widespread poverty and unemployment. Half of the population, over 1 million people, were already then dependent on humanitarian aid to get food for the day.

The situation has, however, worsened drastically in recent weeks. According to the UN, 1.5 million people have been forced to leave their homes. There is an acute shortage of water, food, medicine, and fuel, and the healthcare system is under very severe pressure. Furthermore, the risk of the spread of infectious diseases is assessed to be imminent. All this while intense fighting is being waged, which has led to hundreds of civilians killed and injured every day.

The Government has been clear in its appeal to both sides to respect international humanitarian law in order to reduce the suffering of the civilian population. The Government stands behind the EU statement of 12 November which, among other things, calls for immediate pauses in the fighting and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.

The international community condemns Hamas's use of hospitals and civilians as human shields. It further states that hospitals must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law, and Israel is urged to act with restraint to ensure the protection of civilians.

The discussion at the EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday showed a broad consensus on continuing to work for increased humanitarian access to Gaza, regional de-escalation, and a broader political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is central that the EU stands united.

Mr. Speaker! The need for humanitarian aid in Gaza is enormous. It is welcome that many donors, including Sweden, are providing extra support.

For Sweden, it is about a total of 210 million kronor, which targets the most acute needs with a focus on women and children. This support is conveyed, among other things, via the UN Children's Fund UNICEF, the UN World Food Programme WFP and other leading humanitarian organizations.

Sweden has previously been a major core donor to several organizations operating on the ground, and Swedish core funding enables several humanitarian actors to quickly scale up operations when a humanitarian crisis such as the one we now see in Gaza suddenly arises.

I would, however, like to emphasize that it is central to secure full and unimpeded humanitarian access for the expanded aid in order for it to be able to enter Gaza. The international community needs to act promptly and with full force for this. Since October 21, some import of humanitarian aid to Gaza has been possible via the Rafah crossing at the border with Egypt. The UN estimates that at least 100 trucks per day are needed to meet the most acute needs. So far, one has been far from achieving this.

In this context, I would like, Mr. Speaker, to highlight the admirable and courageous work that the humanitarian organizations perform inside Gaza, with significant risk to their own personnel. It is deeply tragic that over 100 UN employees have paid with their lives. Humanitarian personnel must be respected and protected, and for their efforts, we owe them a great recognition.

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

Azra Muranovic (S)

Mr. Speaker! In his response to the interpellation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs identified children as a particularly vulnerable group. So do Unicef, Save the Children, Amnesty International, and many others. All emphasize that children are children. They must not come under attack. They must be protected everywhere, all the time.

Still, these children are in the midst of a war, in a totally unsustainable humanitarian situation that is beginning to resemble a humanitarian collapse. The children have witnessed brutal abuses and been subjected to serious emotional traumas. All possible measures must be taken to protect the children.

Yesterday, as several have mentioned, a resolution was adopted with a strong emphasis that all parties must adhere to international humanitarian law and particularly protect the children in this conflict, as the children bear no responsibility for it. But they pay for it with their lives—both the kidnapped children and the thousands of children who are under constant attack in Gaza. The resolution also calls for a sustainable ceasefire, which will not throw us back to October 7 but will focus on long-term perspective and sustainability and on helping and saving the children, without them being forcibly displaced from Gaza.

How is the Minister for Foreign Affairs working to ensure that the most vulnerable and susceptible, the children, do not only receive food and water but also receive support through projects and programs aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating them? Will the cuts to aid in other places, for example in the West Bank, continue, and will we hope for the best? Or will the Minister for Foreign Affairs distinguish themselves by being the driving global force for a humanitarian ceasefire that ensures humanitarian aid reaches children in distress in this conflict-affected area? Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs strive to ensure that these children have access to education, healthcare, and especially psychosocial support?

More than 41,000 homes have been destroyed, and more than 222,000 homes have been damaged. There are 285 educational facilities that are damaged and 135 healthcare units that have been attacked; 22 hospitals and 49 health centers are unusable. There are 3 churches and 72 mosques that are damaged.

Over 11,000 civilians have lost their lives, 1,200 Israelis and over 10,000 Palestinians. These are figures we received four days ago - we do not have the latest figures. Of these, 3,027 are women. There are 1,755 children who are missing and 4,506 children who will never ever grow up; they are dead.

We welcome the UN resolution which emphasizes the vulnerability of children and demands a ceasefire from all warring and fighting parties. We welcome that the International Criminal Court is investigating whether war crimes have been committed in Gaza and Israel during the last month. Member Olsson pointed out that the Social Democrats are determined when it comes to Israel having committed war crimes, and he is equally determined when it comes to Israel not having committed war crimes. We welcome that the ICC, the International Criminal Court, enters and gets the opportunity to thoroughly and objectively distinguish between allegations and facts.

I hope we can agree on this, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Or will Sweden continue to have a passive role where Sweden used to be prominent?

(Applause)

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

Jacob Risberg (MP)

Mr. Speaker! I share the Foreign Minister's view that it is diplomatic solutions that are now needed and that the UN and the EU are important actors that can and should exert pressure on the warring parties. However, I believe that my view and the Foreign Minister's view differ when it comes to the extent to which pressure should be exerted against Israel. The diplomatic efforts that are being made right now are not stopping the violence.

The principle of responsibility to protect, or R2P, came about after the international community had been too slow to act in previous conflicts where war crimes were committed. There is now an imminent risk that it will not be until the acute conflict on the Gaza Strip possibly ends that one can decide whether war crimes have been committed by one party or the other. The question is how we can make this assessment faster so that the international community can act forcefully and truly ensure that even today, all civilians who are subjected to attacks are protected.

In this case, it concerns an occupied territory without an independent state, recognized government or army - that which is usually established as the first line of civil protection, according to R2P. When the occupying power is the one committing the atrocities, in violation of international law, it is our responsibility as members of a world community to act.

Mr. Speaker! Israel's response does not occur in a vacuum. We now see that Israel is arming settlers in the West Bank. We hear statements from Israeli ministers who speak about Palestinian civilians in a dehumanizing way. Israel bears responsibility for this development. As an occupying power, Israel is obligated to protect civilians and ensure that children have access to education and healthcare. Instead, Israel subjects civilians to ruthless violence.

Among other things, Amnesty International says it has found strong evidence of war crimes from the Israeli side during the recent hostilities. According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, there is evidence that both Hamas and Israel have committed war crimes.

Sweden must work to ensure that genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes are investigated and act based on the principle of international law responsibility to protect. This is our duty.

Mr. Speaker! I still wonder how the Minister for Foreign Affairs believes Sweden should now act to live up to the principle of responsibility to protect.

(Applause)

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

Nadja Awad (V)

Mr. Speaker! Can the Minister for Foreign Affairs answer my question? Does the Minister for Foreign Affairs agree that Israel is committing war crimes, yes or no? If the Minister does not intend to answer anyone's question, we can all go home. Either war crimes are occurring or they are not. Either ethnic cleansing is occurring or it is not. Either murder is occurring or it is not.

It is clear what is happening - internationally, people are saying it as it is. They condemn the occupying power and the apartheid state Israel's crimes against humanity. They want a ceasefire in Gaza, and they want Israel's extremist regime to be brought before a criminal court. Everyone stands behind this except for Sweden's government. It is so shameful, Mr. Speaker.

Palestinians are being displaced from their homes. They are being killed, and of those who are killed, at least 40 percent are children; the most common age is five years. Civilian buildings such as hospitals are attacked. All of this is caused by Israel's military.

It is devastating, Mr. Speaker, that the government cannot stand up for international law, for all people and human lives, but instead sorts people in this way. The government cannot even clarify whether war crimes are being committed by Israel, but instead insists that they are acting proportionately. When is it ever not a war crime to murder children, make children orphans, mutilate children, besiege children, and displace children from their homes?

The Foreign Minister must now prove that this government is the watchdog of human rights and thus a defender of them, not Israel's lapdog that obeys everything Israel says and remains silent or even cheers when they commit their crimes.

The government must not be allowed to get away with this. It has been 75 years of Israel's occupation, blockade, and apartheid. It crossed the line a long time ago. Answer yes or no to my question, Minister: Does the government agree with the UN, Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, and a lot of others that Israel is committing war crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza?

(Applause)

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

Stefan Olsson (M)

Mr. Speaker! Member Muranovic suggests that I am claiming that Israel is not committing war crimes. That is not the case at all – I am saying that I do not know. Therefore, I am saying that the Swedish government should not, in this situation, enter the international debate and state that Israel is committing war crimes.

I mean that Israel should be judged roughly as Ukraine. I do not know what war crimes Ukraine is committing during the day. I do not know, because I cannot follow them on the ground in sufficient detail. Mistakes may have been committed there as well. But I have confidence in the Ukrainian army, and I expect that a legal process will follow in the aftermath to sort out what has been right and wrong.

I have, however, understood that Muranovic and others who have participated in this debate want Sweden to preempt such a legal process. One then wonders what Muranovic and the others mean that Sweden should have for an opinion on what type of war is legitimate to wage? What type of acts of war should Israel then carry out today, and what should Sweden think about it?

If one argues that what is happening now is wrong and constitutes a war crime, one should also reasonably have an opinion on which acts of war do not constitute a war crime. But that has not been presented in today's debate.

I also want to point out that I am the only one in the debate who has noted what we actually know to be a rather clear war crime: that Hamas uses its own population as a human shield. They use their own population as ammunition in a media war.

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Johan Büser (S)

Mr. Speaker! There is a strong commitment to what is happening in Israel and Palestine in this chamber but also among the Swedish people who now with horror see where this terrible war is heading. I believe that the Swedish people expect us to have a government that acts, stands up for international law, points to a possible solution to this and demands a humanitarian ceasefire in accordance with the UN's requirements.

I asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs what contact the Minister for Foreign Affairs has made with, for example, Israel to convey this, not only in writing but also whether one is actively pursuing the issue of Israel's responsibility to achieve a two-state solution and to stop the indiscriminate violence against civilians. I have not received any answer. Nevertheless, I have taken the opportunity to praise the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the answer that we shall stand up for international law and that the two-state solution is the only way forward.

There we agree. But it is required that, in addition to written products, one conducts an active foreign policy, that one does not hide behind the EU or other states but also shows what one wants oneself. This is what I would like to see the Foreign Minister do, in accordance with our Swedish tradition of conducting an active Swedish foreign policy where the voice for democracy, human rights, peace and freedom is strong.

I would like to have a concrete answer. What diplomatic contacts has the Minister for Foreign Affairs made to convey what was stated in the interpellation answer?

(Applause)

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

Lorena Delgado Varas (V)

Mr. Speaker! I hear that the Minister insists on not taking a step towards a ceasefire. He argues that humanitarian aid should be provided while the killing continues or is paused.

The Minister highlights the humanitarian personnel who are on site. But the murders of them and all doctors and nurses from, for example, Médecins Sans Frontières or the locally employed are not serious enough to demand a ceasefire. It is a disgrace.

It is also very disappointing that the Minister did not answer the question about supporting the International Criminal Court's investigation into Israel's war crimes, nor the question about the Swedes who participate in Israel's occupation forces and thus also in Israel's war crimes. It is worrying.

I wish that Sweden had more courage to stand up for international law and other conventions that we have signed, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and those regarding human rights and so on.

I also wish that the minister was in contact with the people who are taking to the streets here in Sweden. Every Sunday we organize demonstrations, and they are only getting bigger and bigger and are taking place in more and more cities. This week they are taking place in over 16 cities in Sweden. Represent them, minister! Represent us in a dignified way.

(Applause)

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Morgan Johansson (S)

Mr. Speaker! In the short term, first, a humanitarian ceasefire is needed to bring in the necessary supplies, but also to be able to investigate whether any war crimes have been committed. If one hesitates on that question and does not quite know what has happened, then the only reasonable thing is to work towards letting in the ICC to investigate the matter. That is the first thing.

Secondly, the issue of the militant settlers on the West Bank needs to be addressed, as it is a very large problem. I hope that Sweden can push forward so that we can put an end to the murders and the harassment. Israel must take control of its settlers. It is extremely important.

We have so far in this debate received no information on how the government intends to continue working with these issues that must be resolved in the short term. On the contrary, it is the same passivity and the same laid-back voices that we have learned are the government's hallmark in foreign policy.

In the longer term, we must find our way back to the negotiating table. The only realistic solution is a two-state solution, even if such a solution may feel very far away right now. But precisely because of that, the Palestinian Authority needs to be strengthened and not weakened, as some want. In that regard, it is extremely important that there is a strong Palestinian actor as a counterweight to the terrorist organization Hamas.

Mr. Speaker! The problem is that the Swedish government has now gone in the other direction. They have stopped development aid, and they have cut back on UNRWA. When, after four weeks, the announcement finally came that they would expand the humanitarian aid, it turned out that that too was a bluff, at least in half, because they took half of the money from UNRWA.

My question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs is: Will it continue to be in this way? Will you continue to try to weaken the Palestinian Authority, both openly and covertly? That would, in that case, be a very negative message.

I urge the government to do the opposite and strengthen the Palestinian Authority. It is extremely important for us to be able to achieve a peaceful development on-site in the long term.

(Applause)

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Alexandra Völker (S)

Mr. Speaker! When 1.5 million Palestinians, half of whom are children, have now been forced into flight in the war-torn Gaza Strip, the government chooses to take money from the UN organization for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA - one of the UN organizations that even before was among the most underfunded and which operates in an area where the needs are endless, an organization that we during the past weeks have heard questioned heavily by several parties in the government cooperation.

Allegations without clear evidence have been made, which risks undermining the trust in a UN organization operating in the heat of the conflict, whose employees risk their lives to help the most vulnerable in Gaza and who have lost a large number of employees in recent weeks.

The US Ambassador to the UN has stated that UNRWA is one of the most important organizations to support in this situation. She has been clear that there is nothing that can replace the critical role that the UN and especially UNRWA plays in Gaza right now, that UNRWA's staff bravely provide essential support and protection to hundreds of thousands of civilians, that they work in absolute danger and that they have already lost over 70 of their employees. So expressed the US Ambassador to the UN.

In Sweden, however, UNRWA is rather being questioned by the current government base. And now we can therefore state that money is being taken from UNRWA at a time when it is needed most.

(Applause)

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

Lotta Johnsson Fornarve (V)

Mr. Speaker! I must say that I find it strange that one does not see the serious war crimes that Israel is committing at this moment in Gaza. To forcibly displace people, to subject an entire population to collective punishment and to attack civilians on the scale that is currently occurring are war crimes.

The long-term solution to this long conflict is that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territory ends, that the illegal settlements are dismantled, that the blockade of Gaza ends, that the apartheid wall is torn down and that respect for international law applies, with a two-state solution.

However, a rapid ceasefire is first needed to save lives. There must be an end to the killing. No more children should have to die, because war is no solution.

I expect the government to take a stand for a clear ceasefire, I expect the government to take a stand against all war crimes that have been committed by both Hamas and Israel, I expect of course that the government stands up for international law and I expect that the aid to Palestine be increased in the difficult situation we now find ourselves in.

(Applause)

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Peter Hultqvist (S)

Mr. Speaker! UN Secretary-General António Guterres has clearly condemned Hamas's terror attack, which has hit innocent civilians. He has also stated the UN's position that the parties must protect civilians, release the hostages, and provide humanitarian access. He has acted in accordance with the UN Charter, international law, and the UN's humanitarian mandate. He touched upon 56 years of occupation.

The UN has adopted a long series of resolutions on a two-state solution within secure, recognized borders for both Israel and Palestine. Despite this, as I described in a previous post, Israel has violated international law regarding new settlements and the situation in the West Bank.

Israel demands that Guterres resign. It is not a particularly constructive action in this situation. They are demanding the resignation of a person who was needed to manage the situation and balance different forces. In the midst of this situation, they demand his resignation, which would lead to a chaotic situation in the UN, which is a central actor.

Billström says he is in favor of a two-state solution. In what way is Billström prepared to drive the two-state solution? What does he intend to do in practice so that something happens?

I also have a comment regarding the discussion about Ukraine and whether or not war crimes had been committed. In the Ukrainian Defense Forces, soldiers and units are urged not to violate the laws of war for the reason that they want to have a higher morality than the enemy. This is an approach that I think is worthy of respect.

That Russia is committing constant war crimes is no news, but what is it that is happening in Gaza now?

(Applause)

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! A great responsibility for the situation in Gaza rests on Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007 and which has repeatedly directed indiscriminate rocket fire towards Israel. The brutal attack on October 7 constituted the culmination of the threat that Hamas has posed against Israel over the years.

The government has strongly condemned Hamas's acts of terrorism. We demand that Hamas unconditionally release the hostages and stop using hospitals as strongholds and civilians as human shields. Through its cynical and ruthless actions, Hamas is not only holding 200 Israelis and foreign nationals hostage but also indirectly 2 million Palestinians. This is unacceptable and unsustainable and must come to an end.

Azra Muranovic and Johan Büser have asked questions about what I am doing from the government's side. We are, of course, in close contact with the EU. The EU's foreign ministers discussed the situation at their meeting on October 13, and a new informal meeting with the EU's foreign ministers will take place on Monday, November 20, following the trip that the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, is currently undertaking in the region.

I myself have, in recent weeks, spoken with my ministerial colleagues from among others Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria, and there is a general consensus on the importance of ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza as well as avoiding regional escalation.

Sweden and the EU call for continued prompt, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access.

(TALMANNEN: It is not permitted to disturb the order. I may have the guards immediately eject those who disturb the order at this meeting.)

The Government supports the EU's call for immediate pauses in the warfare and the establishment of humanitarian corridors so that humanitarian aid can reach the civilian population under safe conditions.

Questions have also been asked about the importance of working on the issue of how one respects rules. How the rules of international humanitarian law are respected and whether war crimes have been committed must be assessed on a case-by-case basis based on international humanitarian law. It is a question that can be examined by legal authorities, including the International Criminal Court, ICC, which has an ongoing investigation regarding the situation in Palestine.

I regret that the resolution on a humanitarian ceasefire adopted by the UN General Assembly on 27 October lacked a reference to Israel's legitimate right to defend itself, which contributed to Sweden, together with a majority of the EU's member states, choosing to abstain in the vote on the resolution. Sweden and all EU member states voted for a Canadian amendment that condemned Hamas's terrorist attacks and demanded an immediate release of the hostages, which, however, was not adopted by the Assembly.

The government has been clear about Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, and we remain equally clear: This right must be exercised in accordance with international humanitarian law, just as I said a moment ago.

Both sides have a responsibility to protect the civilian population. Direct attacks against civilians and civilian property are not permitted, and international humanitarian law applies in war for all parties and always, regardless of geographical context. It is fundamental that this law is observed.

I deeply regret the civilian deaths that have occurred on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides since October 7. Every civilian death is a tragedy, and particularly that so many children have fallen victim to the fighting. International humanitarian law prescribes, as I have said before, that children shall be specially protected.

(Applause)

In this speech, Erik Ottoson and Magnus Resare (both M) concurred.

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Azra Muranovic (S)

Mr. Speaker! I am pleased to hear, especially the last thing that was said about the children, but also what was said about the ICC's role to actually investigate what has happened.

Member of Parliament Olsson is trying to make this appear as if one stands on one side or the other. But the interpellation that I have written is not about whether one is for or against Israel, it is about the children and how one protects the children in this horrific humanitarian catastrophe.

With my interpellation, I want to convey that Sweden shall act with all its might to prevent mass graves. It cannot end with us sending black bags to Gaza.

I also want a sustainable humanitarian ceasefire - not a pause - to be established so that supplies, medicine, water, and food can get in, but also so that the ICC is given the opportunity to work in peace and distinguish between facts and allegations. I also want to emphasize to MP Olsson and all others that the Social Democrats stand up for international humanitarian law. That is something we will always do.

But if one is to build peaceful societies, the children are the way to go. If one is to build a two-state solution, it is incredibly important that the children who have suffered through this crisis will be rehabilitated, educated and reintegrated and not just be vaccinated and fed. And it is particularly important that they receive the psychosocial support they need to be able to cope as adults.

This is the basis for a two-state solution. And I ask the Foreign Minister to distinguish himself in this matter and let Sweden avoid being ashamed and instead let Sweden be the one that leads the way forward.

(Applause)

In this speech, Johan Büser, Morgan Johansson, Alexandra Völker and Linnéa Wickman (all S) as well as Jacob Risberg (MP) concurred.

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Jacob Risberg (MP)

Mr. Speaker! The occupation of Palestine and the discrimination of Palestinians that prevails is the root cause of the violence that feeds the extremists on both sides of this conflict. It is civilians in Palestine and in Israel who pay the price with their lives for a cynical power game. And it is what we now witness with sorrow and anger. Attacks against civilians can never be justified and will only lead to further violence and further suffering.

Mr. Speaker! Miljöpartiet demands that the government acts in all available diplomatic and unofficial channels for an immediate ceasefire and not just pauses, that the hostages are returned to their families, that a humanitarian corridor is established so that humanitarian aid reaches those affected, that Swedish humanitarian aid is strengthened, that genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes are investigated and that Sweden works to achieve peace negotiations for a sustainable two-state solution.

Mr. Speaker! Finally, a wink to our neighbors in the south, because we still have freedom of speech here in Sweden:

From the river to the sea, Palestine and Israel will be free.

With this, I would like to thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs and all other fellow debaters in this interpellation debate.

(Applause)

In this speech, Lorena Delgado Varas (V) concurred.

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TALMANNEN

I remind that speeches in the chamber should be held in Swedish so that everyone listening can understand, which follows from the rules of procedure.

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Utrikesministern Tobias Billström (M)

Mr. Speaker! I thank everyone who has participated in this important debate.

Sweden and the EU are working to ensure that expanded humanitarian efforts can reach Gaza and help the civilian population in the humanitarian emergency that is worsening day by day. It is crucial that humanitarian access increases and that it happens promptly. Half of Gaza's population is underage, and it is clear that the humanitarian efforts need to take their needs into account. And the increased humanitarian support that Sweden has decided on has such a focus.

Hamas bears a great responsibility for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, but Israel also has a responsibility. And as an occupying power, Israel has an international law responsibility for the population under its control. This means, among other things, that Israel has a responsibility to protect the Palestinian civilian population but also far-reaching obligations to ensure the population's humanitarian supply of, among other things, food and medicine.

It is central to avoid a regional escalation, which could have devastating consequences for regional stability and lead to even greater human suffering.

The government views the increased level of conflict on the West Bank with concern. Israel needs to act against the increased settler violence and ensure that settlers who commit acts of violence are held accountable. This is, moreover, a position that Sweden has taken for many years, and it has been a position also in previous governments that I have been a part of.

Israel and the Palestinian Authority must work together to maintain peace and security in the West Bank.

Now Johan Büser has left here, but Sweden and the EU will continue to work for restraint, de-escalation, dialogue and not least to promote the conditions for a long-term sustainable peace, which can be nothing other than a negotiated two-state solution where Israel and Palestine coexist side by side. It is clear that Sweden will work for the development of this project which is so important for peace in the region and for the people who are suffering now.

(Applause)

In this speech, Erik Ottoson and Magnus Resare (both M) agreed.

The interpellations debate was hereby concluded.

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