Statement on the Gaza-bound flotilla

I have noted the reports that Israel has intercepted the Gaza-bound flotilla. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs understands that Swedish citizens are aboard vessels in the flotilla. Any Swedish citizen choosing to take part in the flotilla is taking a conscious risk. I would like to stress that the Ministry is unable to provide any consular assistance to Swedes at sea.

I have spoken to the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs to express my expectation that the rights of any Swedish citizens will be respected.

The Global Sumud Flotilla was unable to deliver emergency aid to the civilian population in Gaza last autumn, as with previous attempts. It seems highly unlikely that any emergency aid will reach those in need this time either, if the flotilla continues.

The ongoing conflict in the region also involves an increased workload for Sweden’s missions abroad, whose staff have been working tirelessly since the conflict in the region escalated.

Since October 2023, Sweden has provided more than SEK 2 billion in overall humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In 2025, Sweden was the largest bilateral donor in the EU. In March, the Government presented a humanitarian aid package for Gaza worth SEK 555 million, focusing on the well-being, health and recovery of children. In addition, Sweden continues to provide extensive core support to several of the key humanitarian actors that are active on the ground and help save lives and alleviate the suffering of the severely afflicted civilian population on a daily basis.