Slovenia has announced a full ban on arms trading with Israel, citing the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.

“On the initiative of Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob, the Government today approved a decision prohibiting the export and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through the Republic of Slovenia to Israel, or imports from Israel to the Republic of Slovenia,” a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office read.

The decision, made independently from the European Union, comes amid growing international outrage over the catastrophic conditions in Gaza. 

“The people of Gaza are dying because humanitarian aid is being systematically withheld from them,” the statement continued. “They are dying under the rubble, without access to drinking water, food and basic medical care. It is a complete denial of humanitarian access and the conscious prevention of basic conditions for survival.”

Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry. Over 18,500 of the dead are children.

Starvation has become a focal point of international concern. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a U.N.-backed group, has described the situation as “the worst-case scenario of famine.” Footage from Gaza shows emaciated Palestinians, including children, in desperate conditions.

More than 154 Palestinians have starved to death, according to the ministry. Over half of those deaths occurred in July alone. At least 88 of the victims were children, including babies as young as 6 months old.

Slovenia’s move follows a wave of diplomatic pressure against Israel from several European countries. In just one week, the governments of France, the U.K., Malta, and Portugal announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood in September, despite limited Israeli aid entry into the territory since Saturday.

Slovenia’s criticism of Israel has intensified over the course of the war. In June 2024, the Slovene parliament backed a motion to recognize a Palestinian state. 

Last month, the government barred two far-right Israeli ministers from entering the country, citing their “genocidal” rhetoric, according to the Associated Press.