Stockholm protesters denounce Israeli attacks on Gaza, Lebanon

Hundreds of demonstrators converged on Stockholm's Odenplan Square on Saturday to denounce Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, carrying placards condemning civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction in the latest of weekly rallies organized by Swedish civil society groups. Protesters answering calls from multiple organizations gathered with signs reading "Civilians are being killed in Gaza," "Schools and hospitals are being bombed," and "Stop the attacks on Lebanon," while demanding an end to food shortages and bombings. Swedish activist Joakim Andersson told Anadolu he has attended the weekly pro-Palestine rallies every Saturday to draw attention to the situation.

Civil society groups stage weekly rally

Andersson said he sees no indication that Israeli attacks will cease, stating: "I come here on Saturdays to spread the message that everything is not over in Gaza; it is far from over. As far as I can see, there is not much of an end in sight either. In our own country, we have a strange political climate that I hope will change this year." He added that sustained public demonstrations remain essential, saying: "We must show that there is resistance to the way things are being run in the world. That is why I am here."

Activist vows resistance will continue

Andersson emphasized that access to information has become easier in today's global society, noting: "Even if it takes a long time, and even if people have been brainwashed into fearing only what comes next and being wary of those around them, I believe the truth will always prevail and that the Palestinians will win." He continued: "It is possible for people to wake up from this on their own. People always do, and more will do so as time passes. We are now a global society, and information is accessible. People are smarter than they are thought to be, and I believe they are beginning to see the truth about what is happening in Gaza, just as people are everywhere."

Casualties mount despite ceasefire

Israel has continued to violate the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10, 2025. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that these violations have killed more than 1,144 Palestinians and injured 3,703 others as of Friday. The ministry stated that Israel's broader military campaign in Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians and wounded over 173,000, while Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,300 people and wounded 12,200 since March 2.