Sweden has joined other European countries in calling on the European Union to freeze its trade deal with Israel to force the country to allow aid to Gaza.

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.

Slovenia has been one of the most vocal EU countries calling for the bloc to take action against Israel. The country recognised a Palestinian state in June last year and has since repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip.