Sweden Calls for EU Sanctions on Israeli Ministers Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
Sweden urges EU to sanction Israeli ministers over Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Key Points
- • Sweden calls for EU sanctions against specific Israeli ministers.
- • Foreign Minister expresses commitment to lead this initiative.
- • Letter sent to EU's Kaja Kallas emphasizes the urgent need for humanitarian aid access.
- • UK sanctions against Israeli ministers signal a growing international response.
In a decisive move, the Swedish government is urging the European Union to impose targeted sanctions on specific Israeli ministers in response to their roles in obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. On June 10, 2025, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed Sweden's commitment to taking a leading role in advocating for these sanctions, reflecting a deeper frustration with the humanitarian situation in the region.
In a letter sent to Kaja Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, Sweden conveyed its plea for action, underscoring that the lack of aid reaching vulnerable populations in Gaza, particularly children, is unacceptable. Stenergard highlighted that despite Sweden being one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid globally, the ongoing challenges in delivering this support necessitate further pressure on the Israeli government to facilitate assistance.
The proposal of sanctions follows Sweden's prior expressions of intent to target extremist Israeli ministers who promote illegal settlement policies and undermine efforts toward a two-state solution. While Stenergard refrained from naming specific ministers during this announcement, the media has previously pointed out Israeli officials such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have elicited international backlash for their controversial statements and policies.
Moreover, Stenergard noted a significant shift in the sentiment among EU member states, suggesting an increasing frustration with Israeli actions and potential support for sanctions beyond Sweden's initiatives. This escalation of diplomatic efforts comes concurrently with the United Kingdom's recent imposition of sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, which includes asset freezes and travel bans, indicating a broader international call for accountability regarding Israel's treatment of the Gaza crisis.
As this situation develops, Sweden's proactive stance in the EU highlights its commitment to humanitarian principles and the global discourse on human rights amidst an ongoing humanitarian emergency in Gaza.