Government’s response to the war between Israel and Hamas

The situation in Gaza is unsustainable. In the subsequent war following the Hamas attacks on 7 October, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed and the hostilities have caused enormous suffering among the civilian population. Civilians must be protected. The Government is extremely concerned about Israel’s expanded military offensive and has been clear that Gaza’s territory must not be reduced or altered. Any steps in that direction would violate international law and would be condemned by Sweden. The same applies if the whole or sections of the civilian population were to be driven from Gaza. The Government continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured. Together with other EU countries, Sweden supports efforts for a lasting end to hostilities.

Sweden’s positions are based on international law. The Government has continuously urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

• Israel’s right to defend itself must be exercised in compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law.
• All parties in a conflict have a responsibility under humanitarian law to ensure that civilian populations’ humanitarian needs are met.
• Civilians must always be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. Direct attacks on civilians and civilian property are unlawful. Civilians must not be used as human shields. The principles of distinction between military targets and civilian objects, proportionality and precaution must always be applied.
• Hospitals and hospital transports enjoy special protection under international humanitarian law. 

Sweden’s response to the situation is based on part on the following areas:

1. Increased humanitarian assistance and humanitarian access

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The needs are acute and immense. Since 7 October 2023, Sweden has provided more than SEK 1 billion to the humanitarian response in Gaza. Sweden is also a major donor of core support to several humanitarian organisations on the ground. This support goes to the most vulnerable groups, with a focus on the needs of women and children, and contributes to emergency medical care, shelter, access to food, health care, psychosocial support, maternity care, water and sanitation.

The Government emphasises that Israel must do more to live up to its obligations under international humanitarian law to protect the civilian population. For support to reach those in need, immediate, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access is necessary. This includes the safe movement of humanitarian staff and transports to all parts of Gaza. The Government has actively pursued the issue of increased humanitarian access since the outbreak of hostilities and continues to set clear requirements in Sweden’s own contact with Israel and together with other EU countries. 

Humanitarian assistance must never be used as a means of coercion. The UN and other humanitarian actors must be permitted to work independently and impartially to save lives and reduce human suffering. Humanitarian aid workers and medical care staff must be protected and respected. Under international humanitarian law, Israel has a special responsibility to ensure that the civilian population’s needs are met in Gaza. Furthermore, in a legally binding decision on provisional measures, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to improve humanitarian access. Israel is obliged to adhere to this. Sweden gives its full support to the ICJ.

2. Active participation in multilateral cooperation

Sweden is an active participant in the extensive efforts underway in the EU and the UN. Sweden fully supports the efforts to bring about a ceasefire in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2735 to ensure that hostages are released, to relieve the massive humanitarian suffering and contribute to de-escalation in the region. On 12 June 2025, Sweden voted for a UN General Assembly resolution on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The resolution demands an immediate, unconditional and lasting ceasefire and that humanitarian assistance reaches the civilian population in Gaza. 

The EU-Israel Association Council meeting on 24 February 2025 provided an opportunity for dialogue and exchange on important matters of principle, such as Israel’s responsibility in relation to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the importance of respecting international law.

Together with a large number of EU countries, Sweden is increasingly frustrated that the situation – especially in Gaza – has not improved. With the aim of increasing pressure on the Israeli Government, the Government supports the European Commission’s review of how Israeli is living up to requirements to respect human rights that are set out in the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel. Sweden wants to see proposals for concrete measures, for EU Member States to consider, that can have meaningful impact.

3. Sanctions against Hamas

Hamas has been on the EU’s list of terrorist organisations for more than 20 years. The Government supports and actively participates in ongoing efforts among EU Member States on additional measures against Hamas. For example, the EU has imposed sanctions against leading Hamas representatives and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Among other measures, the sanctions require freezing listed individuals’ assets in the EU, and prohibiting EU actors from making funds available to those listed. Following 7 October 2023, a special sanctions regime was adopted against those who support, facilitate, or enable violent acts by Hamas and PIJ. On 12 April 2024, the EU adopted sanctions against several Hamas and PIJ representatives who used sexual and gender-based violence during the attacks of 7 October 2023, by listing them on the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.

4. Against settler violence

Sweden and the EU are deeply concerned by the rising settler violence in the West Bank and the expansion of settlements. Israel’s settlement policy is in violation of international law, undermines the two-state solution and contributes to an elevated conflict level. It is critical that Israel, like other states, lives up to the requirements set out under international law. Deaths must be investigated and accountability ensured.

The Government has pushed for the introduction of EU sanctions against extremist settlers who carry out acts of violence against civilians, and welcomes the EU’s imposition of sanctions against extremist settlers. Sweden will continue to act for decisions on additional EU sanctions against extremist settlers. Sweden is also working proactively for the introduction of EU sanctions against extremist ministers who promote an illegal settlement policy and actively counteract a future two-state solution.

5. Support for peace initiatives between Israel and Palestine that lead to a two-state solution

Lasting peace between Israel and Palestine must be based on a two-state solution. Sweden supports the EU’s work, engagement and initiative to establish a credible process for a negotiated two-state solution in collaboration with regional actors and the UN. Joint diplomatic efforts are important to counter additional escalation and ripple effects in the region. This includes stopping recurring cycles of violence, addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and helping to increase understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Government supports efforts to reform and strengthen the Palestinian Authority. There is no place for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. We want to see a united Gaza and West Bank under the leadership of a reformed Palestinian Authority.

A negotiated two-state solution in accordance with international law, in which Israel and Palestine can coexist side by side, is and remains the only sustainable path towards peace and security.