The Swedish foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The ministry demanded that Israel immediately ensure the unhindered flow of aid to Gaza, which has faced significant restrictions for weeks, with only a limited amount of aid allowed in last week.
In recent weeks, European nations have expressed growing impatience with Israel's military actions in Gaza. The EU announced last week that it would review its political and economic agreement with Israel, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Israel’s offensive in stark terms.
Sweden's foreign ministry condemned the blockade, stating, “Blocking food and other aid to civilians is indefensible. What is unfolding before our eyes is the worst humanitarian situation since the start of the war in October 2023.” The statement underscored that while Israel has a right to defend itself, such actions must adhere to international humanitarian law.
Israel's military operations in Gaza were initiated as a response to the October 2023 attack by the militant group Hamas, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. According to authorities in Gaza, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli retaliation since the war began.
Last week, the UN humanitarian chief issued a dire warning about imminent starvation in Gaza, reporting that 14,000 babies are at risk of dying. Although Israel has allowed some aid to enter Gaza in the past week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterized this assistance as “a teaspoon of aid,” highlighting the inadequate response to the humanitarian crisis.
As international pressure mounts, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with calls for accountability and adherence to humanitarian standards growing louder across Europe.
