Stockholm (Quds News Network)- Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson has called on the European Union to suspend the trade section of its association agreement with Israel over the ongoing “appalling situation" in Gaza. “The situation in Gaza is absolutely appalling, and Israel is failing to fulfil its most basic obligations and agreements on emergency aid,” he said on X. “Sweden therefore demands that the EU freeze the trade section of the association agreement as soon as possible,” Kristersson added while also calling on Israel to allow “unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza”. Sweden’s call adds to growing pressure within the EU against Israel over its ongoing assault in Gaza, where over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. On Monday, the European Commission proposed suspending parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement involving a flagship research project, citing a “humanitarian catastrophe” that it said threatens “virtually the entire Gaza population.” The initiative was ultimately blocked at a meeting of envoys on Tuesday by Germany and three other member countries. On Wednesday, the Netherlands also announced it advocated suspending the trade chapter of the agreement. Commenting on Sweden's announcement, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said "the minister welcomes that Sweden joins the Netherlands in our call." "We need to increase pressure on the Israeli government because they must do more to facilitate humanitarian aid. The agreement between the EU and Israel on humanitarian aid and access must be fully honored," the spokesperson added. European nations like Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain have increasingly called for the EU’s ties with Israel to be reassessed in the wake of the war in Gaza. This follows a report by the European Commission that found “indications” that Israel’s actions in Gaza are violating human rights obligations in the agreement governing its ties with the EU, but the bloc is divided over what to do in response. The EU’s association agreement with Israel is a framework for trade and political relations. The bloc is Israel’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly a third of Israel’s global trade, according to EU data. The calls for suspending the deal come as a number of countries have announced they will recognise the State of Palestine in response to Israel's continuing onslaught on Gaza.