• Slovenia becomes the first EU nation to ban all arms trade with Israel over the Gaza conflict.
• The embargo was announced by Prime Minister Robert Golob amidst growing humanitarian concerns.
• Slovenia had previously recognized Palestinian statehood and declared Israeli ministers persona non grata.
• The government cites the EU's inability to agree on collective action as a reason for its independent move.
• International pressure mounts on Israel amid widespread condemnation of its military actions in Gaza.

Slovenia has officially banned all weapons trade with Israel, becoming the first country in the European Union to impose such an embargo in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. Prime Minister Robert Golob announced the decision, emphasizing that "people are dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied them," asserting the need for responsible states to take action even when the EU fails to do so, according to TRT Global, Africanews, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.

This decision came shortly after Slovenia declared two far-right Israeli ministers persona non grata, accusing them of inciting violence and making "genocidal statements" against Palestinians. The Slovenian government stated that it had not issued any permits for military exports to Israel since October 2023 and reinforced that it is acting independently due to the EU's lack of consensus on how to deal with Israel's actions in Gaza, as reported by TRT Global and Middle East Eye.

Slovenia's foreign ministers have expressed a clear commitment to exploring all possible measures against Israel, including trade sanctions and an arms embargo, stressing that "all measures are on the table." They emphasize that these actions must be implemented swiftly to pressure Israel into ceasing military operations and allowing humanitarian access, according to Africanews and Al Jazeera.

The backdrop to Slovenia's decision is the extensive humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated significantly due to ongoing hostilities. Reports indicate over 60,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during the conflict, which many human rights organizations are calling genocide. Slovenia's steps are also concurrent with growing international demands for stronger responses to Israel's military actions and violations of humanitarian laws, highlighted by various leaders within the EU, according to Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera.