Sweden to Summon “Israeli” Envoy Over Gaza Blockade

By Staff, Agencies

Growing international backlash against "Israel’s" blockade of aid into Gaza has sparked calls for sanctions by European nations.

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Monday that the "Israeli" ambassador will be summoned in protest, urging the EU to impose sanctions and diplomatic pressure to ensure humanitarian aid reaches war-torn Gaza.

In statements reported by the Swedish news agency TT, Kristersson said they absolutely do not support what the "Israeli" entity is doing now, blocking access to Gaza.

“We have been very clear about this, both at the national level and with many other European countries.”

Leaders from Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have condemned "Israel" over the humanitarian aid crisis in Gaza, and called on the entity to immediately ensure the flow of assistance into the Palestinian territory.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo called for international pressure on "Israel", saying the entity “must ensure immediate access for humanitarian aid.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the current situation in Gaza “unacceptable.”

Spain has also pitched in with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stating that Madrid is considering sanctions on "Israel", emphasizing that recognizing the state of Palestine is essential for peace.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has denounced the latest "Israeli" air strikes on a school building sheltering displaced families in Gaza City, which claimed lives of at least 35 Palestinians, labeling the assault as a humanitarian tragedy and a political catastrophe.

“I have to say that what happened this weekend — when another kindergarten in the Gaza Strip was hit — is a human tragedy and a political catastrophe,” Merz said during his speech on Monday at the European Forum organized by West German Broadcasting [WDR].

He added that the German government contacts "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 of the agreement relating to respect for human rights, in light of recent developments and the continued "Israeli" aggression in Gaza.

The European Commission [EC] will initiate this procedure to verify "Israel's" respect for human rights and democratic principles, conditions stipulated in Article 2 of the agreement.