This 68th edition of the annual meeting of pop and disco music, the final of which is held on Saturday, is marked by demonstrations against the war in Gaza in a city where the majority of the population of Palestinian origin resides in the Scandinavian kingdom.
On Wednesday afternoon, the boat, whose final destination was the Palestinian enclave, made a stop in Malmö to show solidarity with the approximately 30,000 demonstrators expected on Thursday to protest against Israel’s participation.
“We are here to show our support and show that we are on the side of the Palestinians”
On board, humanitarian equipment that the Ship to Gaza organization hopes to be able to deliver to the Gazan population. Under a strong presence of plainclothes police officers, around 400 people gathered to welcome the ship, in a very family atmosphere, according to the AFP journalist.
“They are welcome because they will sail to Gaza and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people who are suffering from the occupation and genocide in Gaza,” said Yomn Kadoura, spokesperson for a campaign against Israeli participation in the Eurovision.
Jeannette Escanilla, president of Ship to Gaza Sweden, deplored to AFP that “Sweden was not able to prevent Israel’s participation.” “We are here to show our support and to show that we are on the side of the Palestinians,” she stressed. “We will go to Gaza to try to break the blockade.”
Some Jews plan to leave the city for the weekend
Within the Jewish community, some plan to leave Malmö for the weekend. Police officers came from all over Sweden but also from Denmark and Norway to reinforce local numbers and ensure security around the event.
The Israeli army carried out deadly airstrikes and “targeted” operations on Wednesday in the town of Rafah, on the southern edge of the besieged Gaza Strip and threatened by a major ground offensive.