Parliament in Estonia expresses backing for Israel's stance.
Title: Estonia's stance on Hamas' aggressive actions toward Israel, and the surge of anti-Semitism within Estonia
Parliament's stand
In a fierce statement, 78 out of 101 members of Estonia's parliament voiced their condemnation of the terrorist attacks by Hamas and the war they unleashed against Israel. The statement unequivocally declared that "there can be no justification for the murder of civilians, the taking of hostages, and attacks on civilian objects." It was emphasized that such actions are in violation of international treaties and agreements, as outlined in the Nuremberg Charter, making them a criminal act against peace.
The parliament offered its condolences to Israel and its people, affected by the brutal terror attacks, and reaffirmed Israel's right and duty to defend itself till the cessation of Hamas' terrorist activities, the release of all hostages, and the apprehension of those responsible for the gross destruction on 7 October.
The Estonian parliament hoped for Israel's swift success in its military efforts and anti-terrorist operations within the Gaza Strip, ensuring they comply with international humanitarian law to avoid civilian casualties. They also underscored the importance of alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza to secure a peaceful future for Israel and the entire region.
The statement strongly denounced all acts of violence against civilians, irrespective of who perpetrates them or the justifications they present. It also called on all parties to the conflict, including the Israeli government, to make efforts in mitigating the escalating anti-Semitic attacks and demonstrations in Europe, the Middle East, and Russia.
Estonia vowed to have zero tolerance for terrorism, anti-Semitism, or any form of incitement to hatred on religious grounds. The parliament deemed it essential for Israel's military defense actions against Hamas to foster an environment conducive to peaceful negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives.
The Hamas-Israel conflict: A brief background
Hamas, a Sunni Islamist political and militant organization, has governed the Gaza Strip in the Palestinian territories since 2007. On 7 October, Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza-Israel border and launched a brutal attack on nearby Israeli communities and military bases, resulting in the death of at least 1,400 Israelis, including a horrific massacre at a music festival claiming the lives of over 260 people. More than 200 Israeli civilians, including women and children, were kidnapped and taken to Gaza.
The invasion was retaliated with an Israeli counter-offensive, and a day later, Israel declared war on Hamas. According to Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza, over 18,000 people have been killed in Israel's war against Hamas, including more than 7,000 children.
The rise of anti-Semitism in Estonia
Estonia witnessed a pro-Israel demonstration in October, followed by two pro-Palestinian protests in November. There were also reported anti-Jewish incidents, such as the distribution of anti-Jewish leaflets on car windscreens in the center of Tallinn, and the arrest of five protesters chanting Hamas slogans at a demonstration against Israel's actions in Gaza. Reports later emerged of a member of the Muslim Brotherhood joining the pro-Palestinian demonstration in Tallinn's Freedom Square.
The Estonian interior minister, Lauri Laänefors, sent a letter to representatives of the Estonian Jewish community on 25 October. In the letter, he assured them that the state is taking all necessary measures to prevent the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on Estonian society, as well as preventing any expressions of anti-Semitic hatred, provocations, or attacks on persons and property.
There exists a community of around 2,000 Jews in Estonia, but the number of people of mixed Estonian-Jewish descent is believed to be higher.
- The Estonian government, through its parliament, released a strong statement condemning Hamas for the terror attacks and war against Israel, stating that such actions are in violation of international treaties and agreements.
- In the same statement, the Estonian parliament offered condolences to Israel and its people and reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself, emphasizing the importance of complying with international humanitarian law during military operations.
- The Estonian parliament also denounced all acts of violence against civilians, calling on all parties to the conflict to make efforts to mitigate the escalating anti-Semitic attacks and demonstrations not only in the Middle East but also in Europe and Russia.
- Estonia, like Israel, vowed zero tolerance for terrorism, anti-Semitism, or any form of incitement to hatred, and underscored the importance of creating an environment conducive to peaceful negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian representatives.
- Meanwhile, Estonia witnessed a rise in anti-Semitic incidents, such as the distribution of anti-Jewish leaflets and the arrest of protesters chanting Hamas slogans at a demonstration against Israel's actions in Gaza.
- Despite these incidents, Estonia has a community of approximately 2,000 Jews, but the number of people of mixed Estonian-Jewish descent is believed to be higher. The Estonian interior minister has assured the Jewish community that necessary measures are being taken to prevent the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and any expressions of anti-Semitic hatred within Estonia.
