As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the EU announced on the 20th that it will reevaluate its political and economic treaties with Israel. The UK also announced a temporary halt to free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, aiming to pressure Israel to reduce military actions in Gaza and allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, stated in Brussels that 'the vast majority of countries' support the review of the 2000 EU-Israel Association Agreement, which promotes political dialogue and economic relations between the EU and Israel while enhancing cooperation in other areas.

Key proponent, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra, emphasized that compliance with human rights clauses outlined in the agreement will be examined. The proposal has gained support from 17 out of 27 EU member states, hopeful that it will pressure Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid and mitigate large-scale offensives against Gaza.

In response, Israel stated that the EU's actions reflect a misunderstanding of the complex realities Israel faces. On the 19th, the UK also announced the suspension of free trade negotiations. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly highlighted that hundreds of thousands of Gazans are threatened by hunger, criticizing the Israeli military's blockade on humanitarian aid for an unprecedented 11 weeks, calling it 'unforgivable.'