On Tuesday, the announcement came that the government is pausing all development aid to Palestinian actors.
Sida’s total development assistance to the Palestinian territories this year is SEK 165 million, and what is now paused is the SEK 57 million that has not yet been paid out.
This is money that, according to Sida, should have gone to strengthening human rights, the rule of law and to rebuilding Gaza.
The Social Democrats’ foreign policy spokesperson Morgan Johansson is critical, and believes that the withdrawn aid risks leading to the strengthening of Hamas.
– It is poverty and non-existent future prospects that create the breeding ground for extremism and radicalization that Hamas has been able to exploit, he says.
The Left Party’s Nooshi Dadgostar writes on Instagram that “it is a gift to the terrorist organization Hamas, which can then strengthen its grip”.
Several opposition parties are critical of the decision and believe it will benefit Hamas, what do you say about that?
– It should be in everyone’s interest, both in Sweden and in the people of Palestine, that we ensure that Swedish aid never goes to actors who do not distance themselves from terrorism, says Aid Minister Johan Forssell (M).
He believes that the most important thing right now is to ensure that everyone who receives Swedish development aid distances themselves from Hamas, but emphasizes that the humanitarian aid will continue to be paid out:
– Food, water and medicines are not affected by this at all.