The Swedish government, alongside the Netherlands, is urging the EU to impose sanctions on both Israel and Hamas. The proposal includes measures against Hamas leadership and Israeli ministers, aiming to alleviate suffering in Gaza. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasizes the need for increased pressure to allow humanitarian aid and address illegal settlements.
Sweden Demands EU Sanctions on Israel and Hamas
Sweden Demands EU Sanctions on Israel and Hamas
The Swedish government is calling for the EU to impose sanctions on both Israel and Hamas, reports Ekot. The proposal includes actions against Hamas leadership and Israeli ministers.
"We must end the suffering in Gaza," says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to the radio.
Sweden, together with the Netherlands, is demanding several sanctions in a letter. Among other things, it reiterates a sanctions proposal against Hamas's political leadership and calls for freezing the trade part of the cooperation agreement with Israel.
"We need to put more pressure on the Israeli government to allow humanitarian aid and more pressure on Hamas," says Maria Malmer Stenergard to Ekot.
The list of demands also includes targeted sanctions against so-called "extremist Israeli ministers." The sanctions would involve frozen assets and travel bans.
"It's about creating difficulties for these individuals who are pushing illegal settlements and effectively counteracting a two-state solution, which we believe is absolutely necessary in the long term," says Maria Malmer Stenergard to Ekot.
The letter is addressed to EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas and is also sent to other EU countries. Maria Malmer Stenergard now hopes that more member states will support the demands.