Stockholm – Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Sweden's capital on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to protest Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza despite international ceasefire calls and the recent U.S. military strikes on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Organized by several civil society groups, the rally took place at Odenplan Square, a frequent site for pro-Palestinian and anti-intervention demonstrations in Stockholm. Participants waved Palestinian flags and carried banners with messages such as "Children are being killed in Gaza," "End food shortages in Palestine," "No to war in Venezuela," and "Venezuela’s oil belongs to Venezuela." The slogans highlighted opposition to military interventions and emphasized sovereignty for both regions.
Swedish-Israeli Jewish activist and musician Dror Feiler, a prominent voice in anti-occupation movements, addressed the crowd and spoke to reporters. Feiler condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, describing its presence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria's Golan Heights as an "illegal occupation." He drew parallels between the situations, stressing the importance of international law and sovereignty.
"Whether you like Maduro’s policies or not is irrelevant. He is the elected president of a country. No one has the right to enter a country and capture its president, just as Israel has no right to decide who governs Gaza or Lebanon," Feiler said in an interview with Anadolu Agency. "We must restore international law."
Feiler accused the U.S. of habitually attempting to overthrow governments that resist its influence, stating: "Americans are doing what they always do, trying to overthrow regimes that do not allow themselves to be governed by them." He linked the Palestinian and Venezuelan causes, declaring: "The Palestinian cause is our cause, just like the cause of the Venezuelan people."
The demonstration reflects broader global protests following the U.S. "Operation Absolute Resolve," a large-scale airstrike and raid that extracted Maduro and Flores from Caracas. President Donald Trump confirmed the couple's transfer to New York, where they face narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking charges. Trump announced U.S. plans to oversee Venezuela's transition, including revitalizing its oil sector with American companies.
In Gaza, protesters accused Israel of continuing attacks and restrictions despite ceasefire efforts, exacerbating humanitarian crises with food shortages and civilian casualties. Sweden has a active pro-Palestinian movement, with regular rallies at Odenplan condemning Israel's actions.
Similar protests erupted worldwide on January 3, including in Washington, Paris, Boston, and Berlin, opposing the U.S. intervention. Celebrations occurred among Venezuelan expatriates in places like Miami, Santiago, and Madrid.
International reactions to the U.S. operation remain divided, with condemnations from allies like Russia, China, Cuba, Brazil, and Mexico citing sovereignty violations, while some leaders welcomed Maduro's removal.
In Sweden, the protest remained peaceful, with no reported incidents. Organizers vowed continued action until interventions cease and international law is upheld.
Feiler, known for his involvement in Gaza flotillas and anti-occupation art, embodies the intersection of Jewish dissent and solidarity activism. His comments underscore a view shared by many demonstrators: that U.S. and Israeli actions represent interconnected threats to self-determination.
As Maduro awaits arraignment and Venezuela faces uncertainty, such protests highlight growing anti-intervention sentiment in Europe, where governments have urged restraint and adherence to the UN Charter.
