Slovenia First European Country to Halt Arms Trade with Israel

BRUSSELS, Aug 1 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Slovenia has become the first European country to ban the import, export, and transit of weapons and military equipment to and from Israel.

The decision, initiated by Prime Minister Robert Golob, was approved during a government session earlier in the day, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) quoted the government’s announcement Thursday, Anadolu Ajansi (AAO reported, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Under the new policy, all military weapons and equipment sent from Slovenia to Israel, imported from Israel, or transported through Slovenian territory will be prohibited.

The move follows mounting international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The government strongly condemned the denial of humanitarian access in Gaza, describing it as a “complete denial of humanitarian access and a conscious prevention of basic conditions for survival.”

“The result of this is shameful; people in Gaza are dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied to them. They are dying under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food, and basic healthcare,” it said.

“In such circumstances, every responsible state must act, even if this means taking a step ahead of others,” the statement added.

The government also noted that additional national measures will be prepared in the coming weeks against the current Israeli government, “whose actions constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.”

Since Oct 7, 2023, the Israeli military has launched a wide-scale offensive on Gaza, killing more than 60,200 Palestinians.

The bombardment has devastated the enclave, causing widespread destruction and severe food shortages.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU