At a quarter past ten on Sunday morning Swedish time, the truce between Hamas and Israel entered into force, barely three hours after the original time. The delay was due to Hamas’ delay in delivering the promised list of the three female hostages who were to be released later on Sunday.
It was thus unclear until the end if there would be anything to celebrate in Malmö on Sunday.
Behind the demonstration are the same organizers who have held regular pro-Palestinian Sunday demonstrations in Malmö since the war broke out in Gaza in October 2023. One of those who usually participate is Amal Aweida, who has roots in Palestine. She shows videos of friends celebrating in Gaza – but she herself feels torn.
– It feels like you don’t dare feel joy, because you don’t know what’s coming.
In the clip, Amal Aweida shows the films she has received from friends in Gaza.
The Jewish Congregation: Praying and Hoping for Security
Within the Jewish congregation in Malmö, there is hope after Sunday’s announcement.
– We hope for a lasting ceasefire and that all the hostages will return home and that we Jews will have a better situation in our region. We pray and hope for our safety, says spokesperson Fredrik Sieradzki to SVT.