Foreign minister criticizes activists: over 70,000 emails to ministry
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has sharply criticized activists on the Gaza convoy Global Sumud Flotilla for ignoring travel warnings and launching a campaign that flooded the Foreign Ministry with emails. Despite their own responsibility, Sweden provided consular support and contacted Israel to ensure proper treatment. The campaign resulted in over 70,000 emails and blocked emergency calls, endangering other Swedes' safety.
Swedish activists aboard vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla, attempting to reach Gaza, were boarded and detained by Israeli military. In recorded videos, they urged people to contact the Swedish government for support. This sparked a massive campaign resulting in over 70,000 emails to the Foreign Ministry (UD) in just a few days.
Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) emphasizes that the activists ignored UD's travel advisory, yet Sweden provided consular support through the embassy in Tel Aviv, reinforced with staff from Stockholm. "Sweden has had repeated contacts with Israel to underscore the importance of the Swedish citizens being treated well, and we note that the flotilla was not met with violence at sea," she says.
The minister criticizes the activists for not cooperating with Israeli authorities by refusing to sign deportation documents, which prolonged the process. She is particularly upset about the campaign: "UD has so far received over 70,000 emails in connection with this. There are Swedes around the world who need various types of consular support from the Foreign Ministry but who have not put themselves in danger, unlike these individuals."
Further: "When one calls and blocks UD's emergency lines, one risks the health of Swedes who have become distressed through no fault of their own." Sweden has noted that no violence was used against the flotilla at sea but stresses the activists' responsibility.