Swedish real estate billionaire Roger Akelius has sparked outrage by labeling Hamas as “freedom fighters” rather than terrorists and criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In an interview with the left-leaning ETC newspaper, Akelius argued that Israel’s bombings and invasion of Gaza, which have caused massive civilian casualties, represent greater acts of terror than Hamas’ actions.
He condemned Hamas’ attack on October 7, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and led to the taking of 250 hostages, but suggested their actions stem from desperation. He also traced the conflict back to Israel’s founding in 1948, emphasizing the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Arabs.
Highlighting the systemic repression of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, Akelius pointed to United Nations data showing ongoing killings and detentions of Palestinians, many without trial or charges. He argued that Jewish congregations in Sweden should publicly distance themselves from Israel’s military actions, suggesting this would combat anti-Semitism.
His comments drew sharp criticism from Jewish organizations in Sweden, with the Jewish Central Council calling his remarks shocking and deeply inappropriate
