Shrouq Alarini: “It's a living hell. No one can eat or sleep; children wet themselves out of fear"
The demonstration was organised by the Palestinian Association. Due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, there were similar demonstrations in several cities in countries around the world.
Hundreds of Palestinians have died in the conflict, including many children. Several Israelis have also died.
”I can’t sleep either, I'm so worried.”Shrouq Alarini
Shrouq Alarini took part in the demonstration.
– It was a peaceful way of expressing our grief and despair over what is happening in Palestine. For me, it was obvious to take part, we protested from the car, she says.
–There were a lot of people walking, people from different countries chanting.
The police were also there.
– Everything was peaceful. The police stood on the sidelines.
Later, the police broke up the demonstration at Stora torg because of the pandemic restrictions.
”It’s not the civilian population, neither Jews nor Muslims that are the cause of the conflict.”Shrouq Alarini
Most of Shrouq Alarini’s family are in Palestine, in Gaza.
– The whole family. Everyone on my dad's side is gathered in one house, everyone on my mum's side is gathered in another. Some buildings in the same neighbourhood have been bombed. This war is unlike any previous war, it's much worse.
Are you in contact with your family?
– All the time. Everyone is in the same room. No one can eat or sleep; children wet themselves out of fear. Everyone is scared.
– I can’t sleep either, I'm so worried.
She is deeply frustrated over what is happening.
– And a deep sadness if we get a call or text message that someone has died. They can’t move, can’t go out on to the street, or go and shop. If you go out, you will be shot.
– So far, everyone is safe. You're just waiting for your turn. Anyone can die.
You are active in the UN association here in Kristianstad. What can the UN do?
– The UN can declare international protection for Palestinians, and then the bombings have to stop.
How can the conflict be resolved in the long-term?
– It's about seeing Palestinians as people, about human rights. It’s not the civilian population, neither Jews nor Muslims that are the cause of the conflict. There is a difference between Jews and Zionists. For many years, Netanyahu's policy has meant that the civilian population pay the price. People living in Gaza are oppressed; people living in the West Bank are being expelled from their homes, people are being murdered. Israel has one of the world's most technologically advanced militaries, technology that Palestinians don’t have.
”The war must end. Only then can there be a discussion about a long-term solution.”Shrouq Alarini
What can the outside world do?
– Offer Palestine international protection, the people are asking for help. The international community has to put pressure on Israel. Sweden recognised Palestine in 2014 and Sweden can play an active role and be tougher, in the Security Council, for example. We need action, sanctions against Israel in order for it to have an effect. Israel is dependent on its trade.
What do you think will happen in the weeks to come?
– The war must end. Only then can there be a discussion about a long-term solution. The Palestinian conflict with the occupation has been going on for 73 years.
