At 21:00 on Tuesday, the UN General Assembly will have a non-binding vote on a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
In the last vote in October, Sweden chose to cast its vote.
At lunchtime on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Tobias Billström (M) could not yet give any information about how Sweden will vote this time. He emphasized, however, that they have a “great ambition” to work for EU unity.
“Not fair”
But the government doubts whether a ceasefire is the right way.
– We cannot call for a truce that would mean that Israel cannot fight Hamas. It wouldn’t be fair. We believe it is appropriate to call for humanitarian pauses in this situation. But I am ready to listen to what my colleagues will say, Billström told TT after a meeting with EU foreign ministers on Monday.
The statement receives sharp criticism from the opposition.
– It is a shame for Sweden that we have a foreign minister who goes into the EU meeting and tries to oppose a ceasefire now that we see the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, where so many children and civilians have had to die, says V – leader Nooshi Dadgostar to SVT Nyheter.
She believes that it would be a “scandal” if Sweden once again casts its vote in the UN General Assembly.
Morgan Johansson (S) critical
The Social Democrats’ foreign policy spokesperson Morgan Johansson agrees.
– If Sweden were to once again put down its vote, then Sweden will be embarrassed internationally, he says to SVT Nyheter.
He emphasizes that Israel has the right to defend itself, but that even warfare has its rules and laws.
– The conditions in Gaza for the civilians are unacceptable and completely unreasonable. When the UN Secretary-General appeals for a ceasefire to protect civilians, Sweden must listen to it, says Morgan Johansson.
Earlier this week, the US vetoed and voted against an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the UN Security Council.