Protesters in Sweden denounce Western arms support to Israel

ISTANBUL

Thousands of demonstrators gathered Saturday in Stockholm to protest Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, condemning Western governments for supplying weapons to Israel despite civilian casualties.

The rally, held in the Odenplan area, was organized by several civil society groups and drew 2,000 participants.

Protesters expressed solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon, criticizing Western nations for complicity in Israeli actions.

Karl Kjellin, a Swedish activist, accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and denounced Western leaders for continuing arms supplies.

Arguing that both major US political parties support Israel, Kjellin told Anadolu that nothing will change after the US elections.

He said Israeli actions in the region will continue since the US ensures the continuation of arms shipments to Israel.

Pro-Palestine protest outside German Embassy in Ireland

Protesters gathered outside the German Embassy in Dublin to support Palestine and condemn increasing pressure on pro-Palestinian groups in Germany.

Demonstrators criticized Germany's backing of Israeli policies, claiming it violates fundamental rights and suppresses free expression.

Jacob Woolf, secretary of Jews for Palestine Ireland, urged the Irish government to pressure Germany to ensure peaceful protests remain a right.

'Vocal protest' in Istanbul

A “vocal protest” was organized in Istanbul on Saturday to "break the silence against Israel's massacres in Gaza."

Protestors marching with Turkish and Palestinian flags chanted against Israel and the US, while using drums, bells, whistles and whistles.

Israel has continued its devastating offensive against Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. The onslaught has killed nearly 43,800 people and rendered the enclave almost uninhabitable.

*Writing by Yasin Gungor and contributions by Huzeyfe Tastan, Mehmet Ali Derdiyok