Sweden to Summon Israeli Ambassador Over Gaza Aid Restrictions

Sweden will summon the Israeli ambassador to formally protest Israel’s continued restrictions on humanitarian aid access to Gaza, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced on Monday.

Speaking to Swedish news agency TT, Kristersson stated firmly: “We do not support what the Israeli government is currently doing by denying access to Gaza. Absolutely not.” A spokesperson for the Prime Minister later confirmed the planned diplomatic action to AFP.

The Swedish government has repeatedly voiced its concern over the situation in Gaza, particularly following Israel’s decision in early March to block aid deliveries. The restriction has led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials. While Israel partially eased the blockade last week amid growing global pressure, Sweden and several other European nations argue that the current measures remain insufficient.

"The pressure is now increasing, there is no doubt about it—and for very good reasons," Kristersson said, indicating mounting frustration within the European Union.

The Swedish Prime Minister also expressed support for a reassessment of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, a trade and cooperation pact that obligates both sides to uphold democratic values and human rights. The EU is currently reviewing the agreement to determine whether Israel is in compliance.

“This requires a consensus, and we are not there yet,” Kristersson noted. “But many of us are working in that direction. The current actions of the Israeli government are pushing more EU countries to impose stricter demands.”

According to French diplomatic sources, 17 out of 27 EU member states now support a formal review of the agreement. However, key EU power Germany has opposed calls for suspension, viewing the agreement as “an important forum to discuss critical questions” regarding the conflict in Gaza.

Sweden’s move to summon the ambassador underscores growing European dissatisfaction with Israel’s policies in Gaza, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.