Slovenia has banned the import, export and transit of weapons to and from Israel, becoming the first European Union member state to do so in a bid to pressure the Israeli government over its war in Gaza.

Palestinians are “dying because humanitarian aid is systematically denied them,” Slovenian Premier Robert Golob said when announcing the move late Thursday, saying that Israel’s actions constitute serious violations of international law.

“It is the duty of every responsible state to take action, even if it means taking a step before others,” said Golob, who has repeatedly called for concrete EU-wide measures against Israel. Those efforts have faltered due to “internal disagreements and disunity,” on the issue in Brussels, he said.