France, May 21 -- The European Union has launched a formal review of its trade agreement with Israel over rights abuses linked to the war in Gaza and the blockade on humanitarian aid.

The move, announced on Tuesday, marks the most serious warning yet from Brussels. EU foreign ministers said Israel may have breached the terms of its cooperation deal by restricting aid and intensifying its military campaign.

"It is clear from today's discussions that there is a strong majority in favour of a review of Article 2 of our Association Agreement with Israel," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels.

Seventeen of the EU's 27 member states backed the decision. Article 2 commits both sides to respect human rights and democr...