Sweden has urged the European Union (EU) to freeze the trade component of its association agreement with the Israeli Occupation, citing 'Israel’s' failure to meet humanitarian obligations during its military campaign in Gaza.

 

“The situation in Gaza is absolutely appalling, and Israel is failing to fulfil its most basic obligations and agreements on emergency aid,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X on Thursday. “Sweden therefore demands that the EU freeze the trade section of the association agreement as soon as possible,” he added, calling on Israel to allow “unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza.”

 

 

The EU-'Israel' Association Agreement governs the bloc’s political and trade relations with 'Israel'. The EU is 'Israel’s' largest trading partner, making up around a third of 'Israel’s' overall trade, according to official EU figures.

 

Sweden's move follows similar remarks earlier this week from Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, who stated that the Netherlands would support suspending the trade portion of the agreement if 'Israel' continued to neglect its humanitarian responsibilities.

 

The war in Gaza has stirred sharp divisions within the EU. While countries like Germany have defended 'Israel’s' right to protect itself within the scope of international law, others, such as Spain, have strongly condemned what they describe as acts of “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.

 

An internal EU report presented in late June suggested that 'Israel' may be in breach of its human rights commitments under the terms of the cooperation agreement with the bloc. The report was shared with all 27 EU member states.