STOCKHOLM

Hundreds of people took part in a demonstration in the Swedish capital Stockholm, protesting against US military action in Venezuela and Israel’s renewed attacks on Gaza.

The protest, held at Odenplan Square, was organized by several civil society groups on Saturday.

Demonstrators accused Israel of violating a ceasefire that began on Oct. 10, 2025, by resuming strikes on Gaza.

They also criticized the US for its military intervention in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

They also called on Israel to stop its military operations in Gaza and demanded the release of Maduro and his wife.

Speaking to Anadolu, Swedish activist Sigrun Meder said the demonstration aimed to condemn both Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza and the unlawful detention of Venezuela’s leadership.

She said that despite claims of a ceasefire, violence in Gaza was continuing.

“While we witness this horrific genocide taking place before our eyes in Palestine, we see how tents are destroyed by storms. Even though there is supposedly a ceasefire in Gaza right now, the bombings continue, and many people are being killed,” she said.

Emphasizing that the world is going through a period in which international law is not respected, Meder said: “The only country that is forced to comply with international law is Russia, but when it comes to the US, the West, or Israel, they can do whatever they want, and international law is ignored. We are the ones who defend international law in the streets and squares. We defend democracy, and we defend human rights. We stand with Palestine, we stand with Venezuela.”

The US carried out the military operation in Venezuela on Jan. 3, capturing Maduro and his wife. Trump said his administration would "run" Venezuela and its oil assets during a transition period.

Maduro and Flores were subsequently flown out of the country to New York, where they had an initial hearing on drug and weapons charges. They pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday.