Sweden and the Netherlands call for EU to suspend Israel trade deal

Sweden and the Netherlands have called on the European Union to suspend a trade deal with Israel over its assault on the Gaza Strip.

Mounting pressure has grown on the EU, Israel's largest trading partner, to freeze its association agreement with Israel, which covers both trade and political relations.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Thursday that the situation in Gaza had become "utterly deplorable" and that Israel was failing to uphold its obligations with regards to the delivery of aid.

"Sweden therefore demands that the EU, as soon as possible, freezes the trade component of the association agreement," he wrote on X.

"Economic pressure on Israel must increase. The Israeli government must allow unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza."

His comments come two days after a similar stance was taken by the Netherlands.

Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp also advocated suspending the trade element of the EU-Israel Association Agreement if aid was not stepped up in Gaza.

The calls for suspending the deal come as a number of countries have announced they will recognise the State of Palestine in response to Israel's continuing onslaught on Gaza.

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