Sweden calls on EU to suspend trade ties with Israel over Gaza

“The situation in Gaza is utterly deplorable, and Israel is not fulfilling its most basic obligations and agreed-upon commitments regarding humanitarian aid,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, News.Az reports citing Politico.

“Sweden therefore demands that the EU, as soon as possible, freezes the trade component of the association agreement,” Kristersson added. “Economic pressure on Israel must increase. The Israeli government must allow unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza.”

On Monday, the European Commission proposed suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement involving a flagship research project, citing a “humanitarian catastrophe” that it said threatens “virtually the entire Gaza population.” The initiative was ultimately blocked at a meeting of envoys on Tuesday by Germany and three other member countries.

On Wednesday, the Netherlands also announced it advocated suspending the trade chapter of the agreement.

Commenting on Sweden's announcement, a spokesperson for Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said "the minister welcomes that Sweden joins the Netherlands in our call."

"We need to increase pressure on the Israeli government because they must do more to facilitate humanitarian aid. The agreement between the EU and Israel on humanitarian aid and access must be fully honored," the spokesperson added.

The EU-Israel Association Agreement, in effect since 2000, forms the legal basis for EU-Israel relations, including preferential trade. Trade measures can be modified with a qualified majority vote among all 27 EU member states.