BRUSSELS: The European Union has decided to review its diplomatic and trade relations with Israel in response to the ongoing military aggression in Gaza.
The decision was made during a European diplomatic meeting held in Brussels on Tuesday. The EU and Israel share annual trade worth more than €45 billion.
According to international media, the resolution to reassess agreements with Israel, including diplomatic and trade ties, was initiated by the Dutch Foreign Minister. A total of 17 European foreign ministers supported the motion, citing concerns over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Netherlands stated that the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. EU official Kaja Kallas emphasized that Israel must immediately allow the delivery of humanitarian supplies to the region.
European media reported that 26 EU member states supported imposing sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Hungary was the only country to veto the resolution.
Sweden’s Foreign Minister revealed that there are also proposals to impose sanctions on certain Israeli ministers involved in or supporting the aggression.
In a separate but related development, the United Kingdom has suspended trade negotiations with Israel. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the blockade on Gaza, calling it “morally wrong” and “unreasonable.” He told Parliament that the Israeli government’s “reprehensible actions and rhetoric” are isolating the country from its allies and international partners.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has maintained a full blockade on Gaza since March 2. The United Nations has warned that if humanitarian aid does not reach the region within the next 48 hours, as many as 14,000 Palestinian children could die.
According to UN officials, only five aid trucks entered Gaza yesterday, but the Israeli military prevented the distribution of the supplies. At the same time, Israeli attacks continue unabated, with 73 more Palestinians reportedly killed since this morning.
