Sweden on Thursday added its weight to a growing bloc of European nations urging the European Union to suspend its trade agreement with Israel unless humanitarian access to Gaza is restored.

Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Stockholm will push for the EU to freeze the trade section of the EU-Israel Association Agreement “as soon as possible,” accusing Israel of breaching its obligations under the deal.

“Using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime,” Stenergard said at a Wednesday press briefing. “We will be very clear with the Commission on this matter.”

The agreement, last updated on July 10, grants Israel preferential access to the EU market in exchange for upholding human rights and guaranteeing humanitarian aid. Trade measures can be altered with the backing of a majority of the 27 EU member states.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the call on X, describing conditions in Gaza as “utterly deplorable.” He said Israel had failed to meet “its most basic obligations,” while also stressing the need to increase pressure on Hamas to release hostages and ensure it has no role in Gaza’s future governance.

Sweden joins Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in demanding action. The Netherlands formally announced Wednesday that it supports suspending the trade chapter, with a spokesperson for Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp welcoming Stockholm’s move.

“We need to increase pressure on the Israeli government because they must do more to facilitate humanitarian aid,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Slovenia’s Foreign Ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador in Ljubljana to protest what it described as the “unbearable humanitarian catastrophe” caused by aid restrictions.

Earlier in the week, the European Commission proposed suspending parts of the pact linked to a flagship research project, citing a crisis that “threatens virtually the entire Gaza population.” The move was blocked at a meeting of EU envoys by Germany and three other member states.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also pledged Thursday to intensify efforts to push Israel to allow aid deliveries. “Our priority is delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. We are obliged to do whatever is necessary to stop the oppression,” he said.