STOCKHOLM

Hundreds of people protested in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, on Saturday to demand an end to Israel's war on Gaza that has killed nearly 25,000 people besides causing mass displacement and destruction.

On the call by multiple non-profit organizations, the demonstrators gathered in Odenplan, central Stockholm and called on Israel stop the 17-year siege of Gaza, and the bombardment that has been going on for more than 100 days.

The demonstrators carried banners that read slogans such as "Children are being killed in Gaza," "Stop the genocide," "Palestine forever," as well as models representing children killed in the blockaded enclave.

Chanting phrases such as "Freedom for Palestine," "Genocidal Israel," "Boycott Israel," the demonstrators then marched toward the Israeli embassy.

The protesters also censured the US and Sweden, arguing that the two countries are partners in alleged war crimes committed by Israel.

Sweden says Israel has the right to defend itself after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, and has condemned the Palestinian group.

The Nordic country, however, argues that civilians should be protected and humanitarian access in Gaza is essential. It has also called to avoid regional escalation, and that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the foundation for sustainable peace.

*​​​​​​​Writing by Zeynep Cetin in Istanbul