With this, Sweden and Portugal join the Netherlands and other EU members in the growing diplomatic momentum against Israel, where numerous countries are expected to announce their recognition of a Palestinian state in September.

"The situation in Gaza is absolutely horrific, and Israel is failing to meet its most basic obligations and the agreements concerning humanitarian aid," Kristersson wrote on X. "Sweden therefore demands that the European Union suspend the trade pillar of the Association Agreement as soon as possible. Economic pressure on Israel must increase."

Kristersson added that "the Israeli government must allow unlimited humanitarian aid into Gaza. At the same time, pressure on Hamas must intensify so that the hostages are released immediately and unconditionally." He voiced support for Middle Eastern states calling for Hamas to be disarmed and excluded from any future governance in Gaza.

Sweden's position comes amid rising tensions between Israel and the EU. As reported by Israel Hayom Wednesday, the Netherlands has also taken severe steps against Israel, including reconsidering the presence of its ambassador in Tel Aviv and banning imports from Judea and Samaria.

Earlier this week, a proposal to partially suspend Israel from the EU's Horizon research program failed after it did not receive the required majority, support from 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population. Germany played a key role in blocking the initiative, with Euronews describing Berlin as "holding all the cards" due to its demographic and diplomatic weight. A source present at the meeting said Germany preferred to continue dialogue with Israel rather than take action.

Despite that setback, the Netherlands has not backed down. According to Euronews, it is among the countries willing to pursue harsh trade sanctions against Israel, alongside Ireland, France, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Portugal, Malta and Spain. These countries are expected to continue pressing the issue in the coming weeks.

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Swedish public television SVT investigation documents show the terror campaign began materializing in early 2024. January witnessed a grenade placement near Israel's Stockholm embassy – intelligence sources characterized this as Majid's "admission ticket" to Iran, understanding the device was never meant to detonate but rather demonstrate serious intent to secure regime sponsorship. May brought gunfire targeting the same embassy; within two weeks, an explosive device struck the Israeli representation in Brussels, bearing DNA evidence from a 23-year-old gang member.

Parallel developments revealed schemes to plant explosives at Elbit Systems facilities in Gothenburg, with similar operations recurring in October – additional Stockholm embassy shooting, grenade attacks on the Copenhagen embassy, and renewed targeting of Elbit Systems offices.

Investigation findings indicate a comprehensive "target catalog" Iran provided to Foxtrot encompassing Israeli embassy attacks, defense contractor strikes, Israeli citizen kidnappings and assassinations, plus assaults on Jewish community facilities and synagogues throughout Europe. The report details how the organization's sources received directives to expand operations into Germany, Belgium, and Britain, including the elimination of Iran International television's exiled journalists. "They deploy us as pawns in their strategic game," one participant explained. "Their operations can surface anywhere across the continent – provided Israel remains the target." A rival organization leader disclosed his own unsuccessful attempt to secure Iranian protection – rejection followed his refusal to execute operations on their behalf.

Attack executors frequently included minors. A 16-year-old gang associate faced arrest for suspected embassy shooting, using identical weaponry employed in a network murder within Sweden. A 15-year-old operative, who recruited a 13-year-old for shooting assignments, received personal deployment for the Elbit Systems facility attacks. Sources detail how Iranian financing functioned as an advancement mechanism, elevating young people within criminal hierarchies – supported by structured networks of drivers, safe house operators, and weapons distributors extending operations across Europe from Stockholm to dormant terror units in additional nations.

Command transmission occurred without identification, without contact personnel – exclusively target designation, payment, and execution. "Zero contact, zero addresses, zero traces," one operative confirmed. This framework established an Iranian elimination apparatus on European territory, leveraging local criminal elements while distancing Tehran's direct involvement from operational zones.

Rawa Majid, Foxtrot network commander, maintains residence in Iran. Police and intelligence sources consulted for the investigation confirm he remains free and receives regime protection, notwithstanding Swedish extradition demands for murder charges and terror cell operations. Majid sustains his leadership role within the network, conducting most communications remotely, operating from Iran under unofficial protection arrangements.

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In case it wasn't already clear: This wasn't a humanitarian mission. The so-called activists had published videos and photos of themselves smiling, swimming, eating gourmet meals, and filming TikTok videos.

Anyone with a bit of common sense knows this was a PR campaign. Greta and those supporting her efforts know very well that any boat crossing into Israeli territorial waters would have been stopped and its passengers arrested. If their PR stunt is successful, they would have staged an entire violent arrest and confrontation with the IDF and paint Israel as an evil state trying to block noble activists from delivering aid to Gaza. Any such clash could have serious public and diplomatic consequences for Israel (thankfully, it was unsuccessful).

This voyage was operated by a nonprofit called the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which has organized other efforts to challenge Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza (what they call "illegal and inhumane") via supposedly nonviolent sea missions carrying aid. Yet despite these NGOs' claims, violence is often part of the package. In the past, multiple flotillas, including the 2010 MV Mavi Marmara mission, ended in violence and deaths. Israeli commandos, attempting to stop the Turkish-backed flotilla in international waters, rappelled from helicopters onto the deck and were immediately attacked by activists armed with metal rods, knives, and reportedly even firearms taken from the soldiers. In the chaotic fight, nine Turkish activists were killed and over 30 were wounded. Several Israeli soldiers were injured, including some thrown overboard.

Contrary to what many activists claim, the United Nations has found that Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, implemented to prevent Hamas from smuggling rockets and advanced weaponry, is fully legal under international law. This is not a matter of political opinion; it is a matter of legal fact. Greta and her team breaching a lawful blockade isn't heroic; it enables a terror group that steals aid, repurposes it for warfare, and continues to hold hostages.

Let's be honest: Greta would never dare try this stunt anywhere near Hamas-controlled waters. She knew she was safe only because Israel would stop her from entering.

The sad part is that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the newly founded organization in charge of distributing aid in Gaza, recently issued a harrowing statement about Hamas terrorists trying to regain control of aid distribution. After two decades of Hamas weaponizing hunger and humanitarianism against its own people, the truth of their abuses is finally coming to light, and Greta and her friends are actively emboldening them with this PR stunt.

This isn't surprising, considering the company aboard the Madleen. Among the passengers is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, who claimed that Hamas's October 7 massacre was "legitimate" and has been previously denied entry to Israel. She has denied elements of the October 7 attack and has been accused of glorifying terrorism. Another activist, Thiago Ávila, was seen in videos chanting, "Allahu Akbar! Death to America! Death to Israel! Victory to Islam!"

In her climate activism, Thunberg is often criticized for offering no detailed or actionable policy proposals. Instead, she relies on moral slogans like "listen to the science" and "act now." These may be emotionally compelling, but they do little to address complex, systemic challenges, such as balancing climate goals with economic and energy realities. You can see the same pattern in her activism on behalf of Palestinians. I would assume Thunberg is just a well-intentioned but poorly informed young woman who has no real understanding of the ideology she's defending.

Thunberg isn't sailing to Sudan, where over 25 million people are starving. She isn't going to Yemen, where 17 million people are food insecure and 5 million are on the brink of starvation. Why? Because those places don't offer the same media optics, political currency, or carefully staged moral high ground.

Nothing screams Western ignorance louder than this so-called Freedom Flotilla. Gaza is the perfect theatre: a highly polarized conflict, a Western audience primed for outrage, and an Israeli democracy constrained by the rule of law. The image of Greta Thunberg posing in shorts while sailing to Gaza perfectly captures how out of touch many in the West are when they throw their support behind a genocidal terror regime like Hamas.

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The United States announced on Wednesday sanctions against the Swedish crime organization Foxtrot and its leader, Rawa Majid, following their involvement in international criminal activity and attacks against Israelis and Jews in Europe. According to the US Treasury Department statement, the network carried out an attack on the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm in January 2024 at the behest of the Iranian government.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the decision and said, "Iran's outrageous use of international crime organizations and drug traffickers highlights the regime's attempts to achieve its goals by any means available, regardless of the costs to communities across Europe." According to him, the US and its partners will continue to act against those who promote Iran's violent and destabilizing policies.

In an official statement on the US Treasury Department website, it is emphasized that the Iranian government is increasingly using criminal organizations to achieve its goals, including targeting Israeli and Jewish targets throughout Europe. According to the report, Majid cooperated with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), which is already under US sanctions.

The Foxtrot network is considered one of the most serious crime groups in Sweden and is involved in extensive criminal activity, including drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, contract killings, and severe violence. According to reports, the network regularly recruits teenagers to carry out attacks, and among other things, is responsible for the murder of a rival gang leader's mother.

The sanctions declared under the presidential order include the seizure of Foxtrot and Majid's property and assets located in the US or under the control of American entities. Additionally, any economic transaction with the network or with Majid is prohibited for American citizens and companies. Foreign entities may also be punished if they attempt to help the network circumvent the sanctions.

The organization's leader, Rawa Majid, is a criminal of Kurdish-Swedish origin who was born in 1986 in the city of Uppsala, north of Stockholm. Throughout his life, he has been convicted of various offenses, including assault, drug-related crimes, and aiding in kidnapping. Since August 2020, he has been internationally wanted for serious crimes in the field of drugs and preparation for murder.

Majid, along with other members of Foxtrot, acquired Turkish citizenship to evade Swedish authorities and continue to manage the network's activities from Turkey. Turkey refuses to extradite him to Sweden due to his Turkish citizenship. In December 2022, indictments were filed against nine people connected to Majid for serious drug and weapons offenses.

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Drivers on the Essingeleden highway, which connects the city of Solna in the north to the capital, were shocked to see the Nazi flags at the gateway to Stockholm and called the police. Officers arrived at the scene just over 20 minutes after the first report, took down the flags, and began an investigation.

Mats Eriksson, a spokesperson for the Stockholm police, told SVT News that authorities were investigating the incident on suspicion of "incitement against an ethnic group." According to police, the flags were likely displayed as part of a "tribute" to the birthday of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, whose birthday falls on April 20.

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Just a month ago, on the 1,000th day since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Swedish government distributed a guidebook to its citizens titled In Case of Crisis or War. The booklet provides practical advice on preparing for a potential Russian nuclear strike, which could target not only Ukraine, but also neighboring countries. This week, Sweden's government introduced additional safety regulations, some of them extraordinary.

For instance, the MSB assigned Gothenburg's main church the task of preparing burial arrangements for 30,000 soldiers in the event of war or a "major disaster." The agency also urged churches and funeral directors to secure spaces so that "we can bury a very large number of deceased in a short time," a grim statement that has caused alarm nationwide.

The MSB further requested the city to allocate 10 acres of land for the rapid burial of individuals, potentially amounting to 5% of the local population. "We must prepare for military burials—something new for us that we have never had to do before," said Catharina Evenstedt, who oversees burials for Sweden's Lutheran Church, which manages most cemeteries in Gothenburg, during an interview with Swedish public radio.

Following the Cold War, Sweden significantly scaled back its defense infrastructure. Now, it appears the country is working to rebuild it. In contrast, neighboring Finland maintained its defense systems despite the belief that European nations might never again have to fight for their survival. In light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both Sweden and Finland sought NATO membership, with many local politicians openly discussing the possibility of regional war.

Once dismissed as an alarmist, President Vladimir Putin's aggressive actions have united Sweden's parliament behind the need for preparedness. Echoing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's statement, "We are not at war, but neither are we at peace," Sweden—the newest member of NATO since joining last March—finds itself on the brink of an armed conflict with Russia. According to the Nordic Times, the Swedish government has already informed citizens that the country is effectively at war.

Last Friday, Swedish Army Commander Jonny Lindfors discussed the escalating security situation with British Army Commander Roland Walker. Both agreed on the significant threat posed by Russia to Europe. "The Russian self-image, where they believe they have the right to dominate neighboring states, threatens Europe's security," said Lindfors. He added, "They are not only fighting Ukraine but waging a battle against the entire West."

Although Sweden does not share a border with Russia and is therefore less geopolitically vulnerable than Finland or Norway, it treats the Russian threat with equal seriousness. Since 1931, Sweden has maintained an alarm system that sounds four times a year to ensure it remains operational. During these drills, citizens are required to tune in to public radio channels to receive instructions and respond accordingly. Until now, the alarms have always been false. Soon, Swedes may have to face the reality of a genuine alert.

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Sweden's Security Service (SAPO) detained two brothers, aged 25 and 23, from Stockholm, suspected of plotting attacks on Jewish community centers and synagogues at ISIS's behest, according to the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter.

A raid on their southern Stockholm apartment yielded Islamist materials, cash, and lists of names, including "Osama bin Laden" and "Jihad." SAPO agents forcibly entered by breaking the front and balcony doors.

Nearby locations, including a mosque, were also raided. Surveillance from the mosque showed the elder brother allegedly handling weapons, SAPO officials disclosed.

Prosecutors allege that the elder brother pledged allegiance to ISIS leaders in Somalia and was instructed to recruit individuals for attacks on non-believers. Intercepted conversations revealed the brothers dismissed potential harm to children as "acceptable collateral damage."

The 23-year-old brother faces additional charges for supporting a terror organization and attempting to recruit others.

Their mother recounted in her testimony that her eldest son became devout at 15. Following a short prison term in 2022, he intensified his religious practices, including daily mosque visits. By mid-2023, he influenced his younger brother to adopt traditional clothing and practices after returning from Morocco.

Neighbors reported noticeable changes in 2023, describing the brothers' traditional Islamic attire and growing beards. "They were quiet but clearly different," one neighbor said.

Investigators found evidence of the elder brother participating in closed chat groups with extremist rhetoric. A group member from Barcelona stated that the elder brother encouraged violence and derided other members as "hypocrites."

Despite their radicalization, the brothers continued working as substitute teachers. The mother described her younger son as "kind and gentle," noting he received praise from parents for his teaching.

Questioned by authorities, the brothers maintained near-complete silence. The elder brother corrected officials about his faith, saying, "We are all born Muslim according to Islam," before becoming combative and insulting the investigators.

Authorities are pursuing further leads in the case, aiming to uncover the full extent of the brothers' activities.

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Nearly three years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the shadow of war continues to hover over Europe. The Swedish government took unprecedented action Tuesday by distributing a pocket-sized survival manual titled "In Case of Crisis or War" to every household, providing detailed instructions for surviving a potential Russian nuclear strike that could impact not only Ukraine but neighboring nations.

While not specifically created for the current conflict – the Swedish government developed these guidelines six years ago primarily to address climate crisis-related natural disasters – the manual remained unchanged until now. Following a comprehensive revision focusing on nuclear threat response, the newly updated guide has been distributed to every resident via mail.

The information booklet 'In case of crisis or war' will be sent to all households in Sweden today. It will help households be prepared and build resilience. Downloadable in English and other languages here https://t.co/l6xHC3gOuy pic.twitter.com/6MPcLBHsaN

— Ambassador of Sweden to The Netherlands (@ambsenl) November 18, 2024

From Stockholm's perspective, war survival centers on household preparedness. The manual's core focus lies in food storage recommendations during crisis situations. Expert recommendations include energy bars, canned beans, long-lasting vegetables such as potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, as well as eggs, pasta, and pre-made Bolognese sauce.

Beyond food supplies, the Swedish government's guidelines extend to medical preparations, specifically highlighting iodine tablets for radiation exposure from nuclear incidents. The manual stipulates a minimum three-day water supply requirement. Additional recommendations cover pet care provisions and preparations for harsh Scandinavian winters, including thermal blankets and cold-weather clothing.

The Swedish survival guide became an overnight sensation across Europe. Social media reactions ranged from mockery ("I prefer to die in a nuclear attack than to eat pre-made Bolognese sauce," numerous Italian users commented) to earnest interest in implementing the life-saving protocols.

The manual's impact reverberated through Scandinavian governmental corridors. Norway, Denmark, and Finland announced plans to release similar guidelines in the upcoming weeks, with some following Sweden's printed format while others opt for digital distribution to optimize costs.

Finland's response notably escalated beyond mere preparation guidelines, issuing an unprecedented declaration for northern Europe: "We are ready to defend ourselves." The stance echoes historical precedent – 85 years ago during the Winter War (1939-1940), despite losing 15% of its territory to Russia, Finland's military successfully resisted its powerful adversary to maintain sovereignty. The nation now pledges to repeat this resistance if regional conflict erupts.

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Swedish authorities have launched a major police operation in Gothenburg following reports of gunfire directed at an Israeli-linked site in the Kålltorp area. A young suspect, reportedly under the age of 15, has been arrested in connection with the incident, which is being investigated as attempted murder and a serious weapons offense.

Law enforcement officials confirm that no injuries or casualties have been reported, and there appears to be no significant damage to property.

"We received a call this morning about the shooting," a police spokesperson said. "Multiple patrol units and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene. The operation is still in progress."

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In the wake of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a shocking helicopter crash, several nations have extended their sympathies to Iran.

The European Union offered sincere condolences through its top leaders. European Council President Charles Michel and the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, extended their heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and the Iranian people affected. Michel stated on X, "The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families."

The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families.

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 20, 2024

Criticism arose from figures like Swedish Member of the European Parliament David Lega who asked Borrell, "Can you look the brave women and freedom fighters of Iran in the eye ever again? I can. Shame on you." Belgium's former Migration Minister Theo Francken condemned the EU's condolences for a "butcher and cruel mass murderer" and added, "You don't speak in my name."

Oh boy, European condolences for the death of a butcher and cruel mass murderer.

Where are all those fake tears for Olivier Vandecasteele and Johan Floderus your EU diplomat who is still been kidnapped by the regime.

You don't speak in my name.

— Theo Francken MP (@FranckenTheo) May 20, 2024

 China's President Xi Jinping characterized Raisi's passing as a "profound loss" for the Iranian populace, expressing friendship and solidarity between the two countries. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conveyed prayers for the deceased Iranian leader and expressed unity with Iran's leadership and citizens during this tragic incident.

The Palestinian group Hamas expressed profound condolences and solidarity with Iran, commending Ebrahim Raisi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian for their support of Palestine against Israel. Similarly, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah acknowledged the "martyrs' struggle in defending national causes" and prayed for Iran's resilience in overcoming this loss with patience and determination.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep sadness and shock, recognizing Raisi's contributions to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations. Iraq's Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani also expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and officials. Pope Francis sent condolences to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following Raisi's death.

The United States officially offered condolences over the deaths of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian, and other delegation members killed in the crash. However, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms," in an apparent criticism of Raisi's human rights record. Miller clarified that the US does not wish to see anyone die under such circumstances.

Nonetheless, Raisi's death, dubbed the "Butcher of Tehran" for his alleged role in executing political prisoners in the 1980s, was met with celebrations by some Iranians. Videos circulated on social media depicting festive scenes, fireworks, and joyful chanting in Tehran, despite a heavy police presence. However, thousands of regime supporters also mourned Raisi's passing, holding prayers in his memory on the streets of Tehran.

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