AhlulBayt News Agency: Growing international backlash against Israel’s blockade of aid into Gaza has led to calls for sanctions by European nations.
On Monday, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that the Israeli ambassador would be summoned in protest, urging the EU to impose sanctions and diplomatic pressure to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
“We absolutely do not support what the Israeli [regime] is doing now, blocking access to Gaza,” Kristersson stated, as reported by the Swedish news agency TT.
He emphasized that Sweden has been very clear about its stance, both nationally and alongside other European countries.
Leaders from Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have condemned Israel over the humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza, calling for immediate access to assistance for Palestinians.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo urged international pressure on Israel, stating that the regime must ensure immediate access for humanitarian aid.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the current situation in Gaza as “unacceptable.”
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that Madrid is considering sanctions on Israel, emphasizing that recognizing the state of Palestine is essential for peace.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denounced the latest Israeli airstrikes on a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City, which killed at least 35 Palestinians.
“What happened this weekend — when another kindergarten in Gaza was hit — is a human tragedy and a political catastrophe,” Merz said during his speech at the European Forum organized by West German Broadcasting (WDR).
He added that the German government is in contact with Israeli officials to raise concerns about the military offensive.
The UK, France, and Canada have already warned of targeted sanctions if Israel continues its military offensive and aid restrictions in Gaza.
On May 21, the European Union (EU) announced the launch of a formal review of the Association Agreement with Israel, particularly Article 2, which relates to respect for human rights.
The European Commission (EC) will initiate this procedure to verify Israel's compliance with human rights and democratic principles, as stipulated in Article 2 of the agreement.
Since October 7, 2023, at least 53,977 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, and another 122,966 individuals injured in Israel’s military onslaught on Gaza.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Military Affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the besieged coastal territory.
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