Stockholm: Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson urged the European Union on Thursday to put a halt to the trade component of its association agreement with Israel and to ramp up economic pressure on the country. The Swedish leader made his appeal public via a statement on X, referencing the "utterly deplorable" situation unfolding in Gaza.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kristersson emphasized that Sweden is demanding the EU take swift action to freeze the trade component of the association agreement with Israel. He further insisted on the necessity for Israel to permit unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza, criticizing the Israeli government's failure to meet its fundamental obligations and agreed-upon commitments regarding humanitarian assistance.

In addition to calling for increased economic measures, Kristersson also pressed for the "immediate" and "unconditional" release of all hostages. Despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, the Israeli military has continued its intense offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023. This ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 60,200 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, and caused significant destruction and food shortages within the enclave.

Further complicating the situation, Israeli rights groups B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. They pointed to the systematic dismantling of Palestinian society and the deliberate destruction of the territory's healthcare infrastructure as evidence of these claims.

Adding to Israel's legal challenges, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.