Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israel's ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, alleged ceasefire violations, and continued restrictions on humanitarian aid entering the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The rally, held at Odenplan Square, was organized following calls by several Swedish civil society organizations, human rights groups, and pro-Palestinian advocacy networks. Participants waved Palestinian flags, carried banners calling for an immediate ceasefire, and urged the international community to take stronger action to protect civilians in Gaza.

Protesters also demanded the immediate lifting of the blockade on humanitarian aid, arguing that restrictions on food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies have worsened the humanitarian crisis facing Gaza's population.

Speakers at the demonstration accused Israel of violating the ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, warning that continued military operations and restrictions on aid threaten efforts to achieve a lasting peace.

Among those addressing the gathering was Dror Feiler, chair of the organization European Jews for a Just Peace, who said the demonstration was motivated by solidarity with Palestinians and a commitment to justice and equal rights.

"A peace achieved without justice is not real peace and will ultimately lead to another war," Feiler said.

He also criticized what he described as the international community's failure to respond adequately to alleged violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, arguing that global institutions have struggled to uphold the principles established after the Second World War.

Feiler rejected claims that criticism of Israeli government policies amounts to antisemitism, emphasizing that opposition to military actions and support for Palestinian rights should not be conflated with hostility toward Jewish people.

"Criticizing the Israeli government or Zionism does not make someone antisemitic," he said, adding that the demonstrators opposed oppression regardless of who perpetrates it.

The Stockholm rally was part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations held in several European cities in recent weeks. Similar protests have taken place in London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Madrid, and Copenhagen, where thousands have called for an end to the fighting, increased humanitarian access, and greater international efforts to secure a durable ceasefire.

The demonstrations come amid continued international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to United Nations agencies, shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and fuel persist despite ongoing aid deliveries, while humanitarian organizations continue to warn that millions of Palestinians remain dependent on emergency assistance. UN officials have repeatedly called for safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the Gaza Strip.

International mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, continue diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving the ceasefire and facilitating further humanitarian assistance, although negotiations remain fragile amid recurring tensions and ongoing Israeli violations.

Saturday's demonstration concluded peacefully under a visible police presence, with organizers pledging to continue public mobilization until an end to the conflict, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a lasting political solution are achieved. (ILKHA)