Sweden’s call intensifies the EU’s pressure on Israel regarding its ongoing actions in Gaza, where many have lost their lives in response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
On Monday, the European Commission suggested halting parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement related to a key research project due to a “humanitarian catastrophe” potentially affecting almost the entire Gaza population. However, this move was stopped at a meeting on Tuesday by Germany and three other member states.
On Wednesday, the Netherlands also declared its support for suspending the agreement’s trade section.
Regarding Sweden’s announcement, a spokesperson for Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp expressed, “the minister welcomes that Sweden joins the Netherlands in our call.”
“We must increase pressure on the Israeli government to ensure they do more to aid humanitarian efforts. The EU and Israel’s agreement on humanitarian aid access must be fully respected,” the spokesperson added.
The EU-Israel Association Agreement, active since 2000, is the foundation for EU-Israel relations, including favored trade. Trade modifications require a qualified majority vote from all 27 EU member countries.
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