Hundreds Rally in Stockholm to Protest Israeli Policies in West Bank, Gaza

Stockholm, Sweden – Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Stockholm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, to protest Israel’s administrative measures regarding the West Bank and to express concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The protest, organized by several civil society organizations, took place at Odenplan Square and proceeded towards the Swedish parliament and Foreign Ministry buildings.

Protestors Condemn Annexation Plans

Protestors voiced strong opposition to Israel’s recent plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. On February 18, 2026, the Israeli government approved a proposal to register Palestinian land in the West Bank as “state property,” a move that has drawn international criticism as reported by Anadolu. The measure involves opening previously frozen land registration procedures, cancelling existing Jordanian legislation, and disclosing land records that had been kept confidential for decades.

Calls for International Action and Sanctions

Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “no to the annexation of the West Bank” and carried placards with messages like “stop the genocide” and “children are being killed in Gaza.” Swedish activist Sigyn Meder, who participated in the rally, stated that campaigners have been holding weekly demonstrations for over two years, highlighting the ongoing concern over the situation in Gaza, which she described as a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Organizers announced the launch of a fresh initiative calling for “sanctions against Israel,” aiming to pressure lawmakers to adopt a firmer stance. A petition supporting this initiative will be submitted to the Swedish government, and parliament.

Historical Context of Sweden-Israel Relations

Sweden’s relationship with Israel has experienced periods of tension, particularly after Sweden became the first member of the European Union to recognize the State of Palestine in 2014 according to Wikipedia. Prior to this, Sweden had supported the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947 and offered the services of Count Folke Bernadotte to assist in negotiations, though Bernadotte was later assassinated by a Zionist militant group in 1948 as detailed by Wikipedia.

Recent Developments and Regional Impact

Since the start of the conflict in Gaza on October 8, 2023, Israel has intensified operations in the West Bank, leading to a significant increase in Palestinian casualties and arrests. As of February 21, 2026, Israeli operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have resulted in the deaths of over 1,115 Palestinians, injuries to approximately 11,500, and nearly 22,000 arrests. The war in Gaza has reportedly killed more than 72,000 Palestinians and wounded over 171,000, with approximately 90% of civilian infrastructure damaged according to Anadolu.

Israel maintains that its security policies and military operations are necessary responses to threats from Palestinian armed groups.