Crowds in Sweden to protest Israel, US during traditional Nobel banquet

(MENAFN) According to reports, a group of protesters gathered in Stockholm on Wednesday during the traditional Nobel banquet to voice opposition to Israel and the United States. The demonstration took place outside Stockholm City Hall, where King Carl XVI Gustaf hosted the annual banquet following the award ceremony.

The protesters condemned Israel’s more than two-year military actions in the Gaza Strip and U.S. preparations for potential intervention in Venezuela. They carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans including “Stop the genocide in Gaza” and “Hands off Venezuela.”

The group criticized both Washington and the European Union, arguing that the Nobel Prizes are funded by the U.S. and thus reflect American influence. They also objected to the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado, highlighting her support for Israel.

In a statement, the demonstrators described Machado as a figure who dedicated her prize to U.S. President Donald Trump, endorsed potential U.S. military involvement in Venezuela, and received congratulations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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