The Slovenian government is preparing to introduce economic measures in response to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including a proposed ban on the import of goods originating from illegal Israeli settlements, it said on August 6.

Slovenia has been among the most vocal EU countries criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza, repeatedly condemning the large-scale destruction and humanitarian suffering. Last week, Slovenia became the first European country to ban the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel, with limited exceptions. 

In 2024, Slovenia was one of the first European countries to recognise Palestine and suspend arms trade with Israel. It also declared two Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, personae non gratae.

The ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements comes as part of Slovenia's broader commitment to upholding international law and humanitarian standards, and was announced following a government session this week.

Although imports from these territories are minimal — mostly consisting of avocados — the decision is being framed as a principled stance against Israeli policies in the occupied territories, which include settlement expansion, forced displacement, and systemic denial of access to essential resources for Palestinians, RTV SLO reported on August 6.

According to a joint statement from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the proposed measure includes a prohibition on importing products from settlements established in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including East Jerusalem. The measure will also aim to prevent any circumvention of the import ban.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon was cited by RTV SLO as saying that the import ban is a necessary response to the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. “Although symbolic, this measure carries enormous weight and places Slovenia among the countries that are principled, responsible, and courageous,” she wrote. Fajon stressed that the ban also sends a clear message to the international community that violations of international law have consequences.

"With this, we are sending a clear message to the Israeli government that the killing of innocent civilians, including attempts at ethnic cleansing and genocidal acts in Gaza, must end," Fajon was cited as saying at the time.

The decision follows the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion of July 19, 2024, which called on all states to distinguish in their relations with Israel between its internationally recognised territory and the territories it has occupied since 1967. The court concluded that states must refrain from entering into contractual, economic or trade relations with Israel that could legitimise or support the occupation of Palestinian land.

In line with this advisory, the Slovenian government has empowered the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to examine the possibility of also banning exports from Slovenia to the illegal settlements. A final decision on further steps will be made by the government following their recommendations.

At the same time, Slovenia is stepping up its humanitarian efforts in the region. The government has approved an additional aid package worth up to €879,490, which includes food and blankets for civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The shipment will be delivered via Jordan by a Slovenian Armed Forces Spartan C-27J aircraft as part of an international airlift.

The aid consists of 1,000 blankets and up to 7,680 dry daily rations sourced from the Ministry of Defence’s stockpiles. Slovenian representatives will accompany the mission.

This marks the fourth aid package Slovenia has sent to Gaza. In 2024 alone, Slovenia has already provided humanitarian assistance worth over €2.1mn, including food, supplies and transport.

“The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate,” the government said, citing widespread shortages of food, water, electricity, and medical care. The civilian population, particularly women, children and other vulnerable groups, remains at high risk amid worsening famine and collapsing health services.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia has pledged to act responsibly in international crises and promote adherence to humanitarian and international legal norms.