[Anchor]
Europe has officially started imposing sanctions against Israel, which is expanding its military operations in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
The UK has announced it will suspend free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, and the European Union has also decided to review these negotiations.
This is Correspondent Lee Hwa-jin in Paris.
[Report]
Due to continuous bombings, hospitals within the Gaza Strip have been devastatingly destroyed.
Patients and ambulances move through the destroyed buildings.
[Ibrahim Albana/Resident of Gaza Strip: “My son is in critical condition. He was hit by shrapnel near the spine, close to the kidneys. We are waiting for divine mercy.”]
After Israel moved to completely blockade the Gaza Strip, the supply of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, has effectively been halted in the area.
While Europe has maintained a cautious stance, the UK has initiated pressure over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
By announcing the suspension of the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Israel, the UK simultaneously summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest.
The UK also announced additional sanctions against settlers in the West Bank.
Last year, the UK sanctioned Israeli settlers who incited violence in the West Bank.
[David Lammy/UK Foreign Secretary: “We cannot stand by and watch this newly deteriorated situation. Therefore, today we announce the suspension of free trade agreement negotiations with the Israeli government.”]
A hardline stance is also growing within the European Union.
It was reported that, with the support of a majority of member countries, an agreement has been made to review the Israel agreement.
As of 2022, the EU is the largest trading partner with Israel.
[Kaja Kallas/EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: “We will begin the review of the agreement with Israel, and during this time, Israel must lift the blockade on humanitarian aid.”]
Israel has stated that it has allowed some humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and that it would alter military operations if Hamas releases hostages.
This is Lee Hwa-jin for KBS News in Paris.
Video Editing by: Yang Eui-jung / Research by: Kim Na-young
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