Finland opposes calls for EU trade sanctions on Israel

The comments come after EU foreign ministers on Monday discussed potential steps against Israel should it fail to comply with a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) obliging it to immediately cease its current offensive in Rafah in southern Gaza. 

The ministers decided to convene an Association Council with Israel to discuss the country’s compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU’s trade deal with the country, which is part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

In a last-minute move, the issue was also added to the agenda of Thursday’s meeting of trade ministers, although no formal decision was expected to be taken.

Israel’s military said Wednesday it had taken control over a buffer zone along the border between Gaza and Egypt, giving it effective authority over the Palestinian territory’s entire land border. It also continued its deadly raids on Rafah, which amplified over the weekend as an air attack on refugee tents killed at least 45 Palestinians, including children.

While a number of countries, including Germany and Austria, are likely to strike a tone similar to Finland, others like Ireland, Belgium and Spain have been leading a push to exert pressure on Israel through commercial sanctions.

Peter Burke, Ireland’s trade minister, doubled down on his country’s call to re-open the EU’s deal with Israel.