Estonian legislative body voices endorsement for Israel's stance
The Estonian Parliament issues a strong condemnation of the Hamas terrorist attacks and the war launched by the group against Israel, with 78 out of 101 Parliament members signing the statement. The Parliament expressed its condolences to Israel and its people following the massacre of 1400 Israelis, including civilians and victims of a music festival attack.
In the statement, the Parliament underlined that the murder of civilians, hostage-taking, and attacks on civilian objects cannot be justified. They noted that planning, preparing, or waging war in violation of international treaties is a crime against peace, as per the Nuremberg Charter. Israel, the Parliament insisted, has the right and duty to defend itself until the terror against it subsides, including the release of hostages and the arrest of perpetrators.
The statement also expressed hope that Israel achieves rapid success in their military activities in the Gaza Strip, exercising utmost care to avoid civilian casualties and upholding international humanitarian law. Further, the Parliament condemned all acts of violence against civilians, regardless of the perpetrator, and called for the respective parties to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Parliament also expressed concern about the rise in anti-Semitic incidents across Europe, the Middle East, and Russia, and pledged Estonia's stance against justifying terrorism, anti-Semitism, or incitement to hatred based on religion. Estonia is home to around 2,000 Jews, with a higher number of people of mixed Estonian-Jewish descent.
Estonia has taken a firm stand on the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting Humanitarian aid, adherence to international law, and advocating for peaceful negotiations, while simultaneously condemning anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination. In a recent protest in Tallinn, the importance of maintaining a rules-based world order and supporting Palestinian rights was highlighted. The organizers of the "March for Palestine" explicitly condemned anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of racism, emphasizing the importance of a peaceful and respectful discourse.
- The Estonian Parliament, in its statement, condemns the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel and the ensuing war, expressing condolences to Israel and its people, particularly over the loss of 1400 lives, including those at a music festival.
- In the same statement, the Parliament underscores that war crimes, such as the murder of civilians, hostage-taking, and attacks on civilian objects, cannot be justified.
- Recognizing Israel's right and duty to defend itself, the Parliament stresses the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law during military activities in the Gaza Strip.
- Beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Parliament also voices concern over the rising anti-Semitic incidents in Europe, the Middle East, and Russia, pledging Estonia's stance against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and incitement to hatred based on religion.
- As a country with around 2,000 Jews and a larger number of people of mixed Estonian-Jewish descent, Estonia has taken a firm position on the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- In a recent protest in Tallinn, organizers of the "March for Palestine" emphasized the importance of peaceful negotiations and respectful dialogue, explicitly condemning anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of discrimination.
