The government is pausing development aid to the Palestinian territories until further notice.
The Tidöpartierna announced this at a press conference.
– Sweden will pause development aid to Palestine until further notice, says Minister for Development Aid Johan Forssell (M).
Germany, Austria and Denmark have said they are pausing all disbursements of their own aid to the Palestinian territories.
Now Sweden chooses to do the same as its EU colleagues.
– It is justified that Sweden, like many EU countries, takes this break. We will also give Sida a task to review the aid to Palestine, says Aid Minister Johan Forssell (M).
Last year, Sweden paid a total of SEK 453 million in aid to Palestine.
– I think it shows strength, political strength, in this situation, where it is very important that Sweden stands up and shows support for Israel, says SD leader Jimmie Åkesson.
“Can’t support an authority that glorifies murderers”
Today’s announcement comes after terrorist-labeled Hamas attacks on Saturday.
– We cannot support an authority that glorifies murder, that glorifies terrorist acts, said Johan Pehrson on his way into SVT’s party leader debate.
The Liberals were supported by both the Christian Democrats and the Sweden Democrats.
– It is completely unreasonable that Sweden sends money to organizations that in practice engage in this type of violence and terror, said Jimmie Åkesson.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) replied that a review of aid is already underway.
– If there is the smallest penny that goes to something that is even close to terrorist activities, it must of course be cut off immediately.
The text is updated.