Thousands of people in Sweden demonstrate in support of Palestine

In a powerful display of unity and support for Palestine, thousands of people gathered in Sweden's capital Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israeli attacks on besieged Gaza.

The rally was organized by numerous civil society organizations under tight security measures by the police.

The demonstrators assembled in front of the Swedish parliament in Stockholm in the afternoon, holding banners and signs that bore poignant messages such as "Children are being killed in Gaza," "Stop the genocide," and "Forever Palestine."

The resounding chant of "Freedom for Palestine" echoed through the streets as the protesters demanded an end to Israel's attacks on Gaza, an immediate cease-fire, and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into the beleaguered region.

Amid a sea of Palestinian flags and heartfelt slogans calling for justice, the demonstrators, young and old, marched towards Norra Bantorget Square.

Another demonstration was organized in the city of Liege, Belgium in support of Palestinians.

Gaza has been under relentless Israeli airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

The Palestinian group had initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

Israel responded with an uninterrupted campaign of air raids, which intensified Friday night along with ground activities amid a complete blackout of telecommunications and internet networks.

At least 7,703 Palestinians, including 3,595 children, have been killed in the Israeli attacks, while the death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are also grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s blockade of the enclave. Only a few aid trucks have crossed into Gaza since the opening of the Rafah crossing point last weekend.

The UN General Assembly late Friday approved a resolution calling for a humanitarian truce, but Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen called it “despicable” and rejected it.