Slovenian member of European Parliament calls for stricter sanctions on Israel over Gaza crisis

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – A Slovenian member of the European Parliament called on Slovenia to impose stricter sanctions on Israel, stressing the need for increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Ahead of a European Parliament plenary session, Matjaz Nemec said on X: “The attack on Gaza is not only an attack on one country but an attack on the entire international order.”

He urged Slovenia to “follow the example of other countries and introduce stricter sanctions against Israel as soon as possible,” adding: “In the 2025 budget, we will increase funding for the fight against natural disasters and for UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees) by €60 million ($65.1 million), which is crucial to alleviate the humanitarian situation for Palestinians.”

Since 2006, Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, leading many to call the area the world's largest open-air prison.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel has intensified its offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last October.

Local health authorities report that over 42,000 people have died, most of them women and children, and more than 99,000 have been injured since the escalation began.

The ongoing Israeli assault has nearly displaced the entire population of the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by a blockade that has resulted in severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice due to its actions in Gaza.