Stockholm: Hundreds gathered in the Swedish capital on Saturday to protest Israel's plan to occupy Gaza. At the call of numerous civil society organizations, hundreds gathered at the Odenplan square demanding that Israel halt its occupation plan in Gaza and open the humanitarian aid corridor.

According to Anadolu Agency, protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the Swedish government's response to Israel's actions, accusing it of not showing sufficient reaction against Israel's attacks and occupation in the Palestinian enclave. Demonstrators carried banners with messages such as 'Children are being killed in Gaza,' 'Schools and hospitals are being bombed,' and 'End food shortages,' while chanting slogans like 'Freedom for Palestine' and 'No to Netanyahu's plan.'

The protest saw the marchers make their way to the Swedish Foreign Ministry building. During the rally, Azerbaijani-born Swedish activist Aydin Amir Hashimi addressed the crowd, stating that Israel will one day be held accountable for what he described as genocide in Gaza. Hashimi criticized the influence Israel has over Swedish politicians, alleging that they "do nothing but utter empty words" against the actions of Israel, which he termed as genocide and war crimes.

The protest comes amidst reports that Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The ongoing military campaign is reported to have caused significant devastation in the enclave, leading to famine, forced migration, and the spread of disease.

In a related development, last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.