Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has called for the EU to suspend trade agreements with Israel in response to the ongoing conflict and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Rasmussen announced that Denmark is prepared to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers and consider suspending the EU trade chapter in the association agreement with Israel.

These measures are being considered as part of broader efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has significantly deteriorated.

Rasmussen accused Israel of undermining international peace efforts and destroying the two-state solution through its military policies in Palestinian territories.

Despite growing criticism, the EU has yet to implement significant political or economic measures against Israel, risking its credibility and influence in foreign policy.

The conflict has turned Gaza into a combat zone, intensifying calls for action.

Rasmussen emphasized the need for Israel to change its course to address the ongoing crisis.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged disagreements among member states but highlighted ongoing discussions on potential measures.

Rasmussen criticized Israel's actions in Gaza as beyond self-defense, describing them as genocidal assaults that have lost justification.

Kallas warned that a military solution in Gaza is not feasible and criticized Israel's declaration of Gaza City as a 'terrorist' entity.

The EU is considering measures such as suspending the trade chapter to pressure Israel to curb its violence in Gaza, amid what Rasmussen called the most catastrophic humanitarian catastrophe.

The EU remains divided on this issue, with countries like Germany and Hungary opposing punitive measures, which hampers unified action.

Several European countries, including Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have previously called for reviewing or suspending trade agreements with Israel over human rights concerns.

Suspending the trade chapter would involve reinstating tariffs on Israel's trade with the EU, which is Israel's biggest trading partner.

Rasmussen made these statements during an EU foreign ministers' meeting in Copenhagen, where Denmark holds the rotating EU presidency.