Israel must respect international humanitarian law: Sweden on Gaza attacks

STOCKHOLM) – Sweden has urged Israel to abide by its obligations under international law and refrain from targeting areas in the Gaza Strip where there is risk of civilian casualties.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Friday Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas attacks, but criticized Israeli military strikes that have targeted hospitals and refugee camps in recent weeks.

“Of course, Israel has a right to defend itself, but that defense has to be taking place within the framework of international humanitarian law,” Billstrom said.

“That means that you’re not allowed to target civilians, you’re not allowed to target civilian installations, and that has to be emphasized,” he said.

He also claimed that Hamas was using people as human shields in many areas.

His comments came after a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The strikes leveled entire apartment buildings and killed and wounded hundreds of Palestinian civilians.

The Israeli military said it was targeting a senior Hamas commander who helped plan the October 7 attacks.

Billstrom said both Israeli and Palestinian groups have to take steps to de-escalate the crisis and create the conditions for diplomatic talks.

He said Hamas should free Israeli hostages as soon as possible and contribute to a de-escalation.

“What we need now is de-escalation, a return to negotiations, the avoidance of civilian casualties, and at the end of the day, the establishment of a two-state solution whereby Israel and Palestine, the Israelis and Palestinians, can live together side by side in two states, secure and safe,” he said.

Billstrom also said Sweden will increase its efforts to enable the delivery of aid to Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The Swedish government has announced a new package of humanitarian aid to address the urgent needs, particularly focusing on the needs of women and children.

Sweden will give 150 million Swedish krona ($13.5 million) to the World Food Program, the UN Children’s Fund, the UN Population Fund, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, according to the government.

UN experts have warned that “time is running out to prevent genocide and humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, as Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 9,000 Palestinians, including over 6,000 women and children.

Over 32,000 people have been injured in Israeli attacks, while an estimated 1.4 million more have been displaced.

According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,500 Israelis have been killed and over 5,400 others injured in Hamas attacks, while over 240 people were taken as hostages to Gaza.