Members of the European Parliament convened for a mini-plenary session to debate the European Union’s response to the Israeli government’s stated intention to seize parts of the Gaza Strip. The discussion also focused on the EU’s role in facilitating humanitarian aid and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

In a significant diplomatic development, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, announced a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement—a free trade deal that governs political and economic relations between the two parties. The decision follows Israel’s move to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, prompting growing concern among EU member states over the legality and morality of continuing preferential trade terms under the current circumstances.

Agencies.