Swedish police probe over 700 war crime cases in Gaza
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Swedish police are investigating over 700 complaints of war crimes in Gaza as the Swedish government pushes for EU sanctions on "Israel" to allow free humanitarian access into the Strip.
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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are removed from outside the arena ahead of the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden, on May 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Swedish police have received more than 700 complaints of suspected war crimes in the Gaza Strip, with investigations now underway, according to Swedish broadcaster Sveriges Radio. The complaints, submitted by individuals and organizations, focus on alleged violations during "Israel's" ongoing genocidal war on Gaza.
Reena Devgun, head of the task force investigating war crimes, told Sveriges Radio that authorities are "primarily interested in witness testimonies from individuals connected to Sweden who have been at the scene of the developments or have other direct evidence." Such testimonies, she added, could be used in future legal proceedings in Sweden, other countries, or international courts.
The scale of the complaints reflects growing public concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. While prosecutors have not disclosed details on specific crimes or suspects, Swedish authorities are reportedly coordinating with international partners to assess the evidence.
Swedish Government’s condemnation of 'Israel'
Sweden’s government has taken a markedly vocal stance on the war. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard have condemned the scale of civilian suffering, calling starvation a war crime. Stenergard has explicitly criticized "Israel's" refusal to allow sufficient aid into Gaza and its targeting of aid distribution points.
Since October 2023, Sweden has provided over SEK 1 billion (about $105 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza and the region, doubling its assistance from $40 million to $80 million. For 2025, the government has allocated SEK 800 million (about $72 million).
In a controversial move, Sweden stopped funding UNRWA in December 2024 after "Israel" fabricated stories of UNRWA staff taking part in the October 7 operation. Instead, Sweden directed funds through the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, the UN Population Fund, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Economic and Diplomatic Pressure
In July 2025, Sweden and the Netherlands called on the EU to suspend the trade component of the EU–"Israel" Association Agreement, citing "Israel's" failure to meet humanitarian obligations. The Swedish government is also pushing for sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers promoting illegal settlements and undermining a two-state solution.
Sweden's top diplomat said Tuesday that the Nordic country will work within the EU to push for sanctions against specific Israeli ministers over "Israel's" treatment of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 21, 2025
"Since we do not see a clear improvement for the civilians in Gaza, we need to… pic.twitter.com/ivGtCdrixL
Diplomatic measures have included summoning the Israeli ambassador, demanding unhindered aid access, and calling for international media entry into Gaza to report freely and safely.
#Sweden intends to summon the Israeli ambassador to #Stockholm over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, said Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on Monday.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 26, 2025
The Israeli occupation has been barring the entry of aid for at least 11 weeks now, depriving #Palestinians in… pic.twitter.com/M00uVpMsN4
Swedish civil society
Moreover, the Swedish Dockworkers Union, in a show of solidarity, voted in December 2024 to block all military shipments to and from "Israel." The action, implemented in January 2025, responded to appeals from the Palestinian trade union movement.
Public protests have also become a regular occurrence, with hundreds in Stockholm demanding a ceasefire and carrying banners reading "Children are being killed in Gaza" and "Stop the food shortages."
