Sweden’s Foreign Minister Tobias Billström declared today that his country does not support a long-term ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking upon his arrival at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Billström stated, “We look forward to discussing the issue of a ceasefire, but Sweden wants to see humanitarian pauses first and foremost. We cannot call for a long-term ceasefire, as this would mean Israel would not be able to combat Hamas.”
Regarding the imposition of sanctions on Israeli settlers due to their violent actions against Palestinians, Billström remarked, “Efforts must be made to ensure this. It is important that the European Union also engages in a discussion with the Israeli government on how to halt settler violence.”
Earlier, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nicolas de Rivière, emphasized the need for more than just a humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip’s ceasefire.
He called for the implementation of a ceasefire, stating, “There is an emergency situation there. We need more than a humanitarian pause in the ceasefire. We need a ceasefire that leads to a halt in hostilities.”
De Rivière also called for ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, respecting international humanitarian law, and releasing hostages.
