Estonia has joined a joint statement by 27 Western countries. The statement condemns Israel's actions in the Gaza region and calls for an immediate ceasefire. The statement has been signed by 20 EU countries and the European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib. The EU's foreign and security policy chief, Kaja Kallas, did not sign it.
The statement says that the residents of Gaza are suffering greatly. The actions of the Israeli government are dangerous. It creates instability and strips Gaza residents of their human dignity. The statement condemns the restriction of aid and the killing of civilians. Over 800 Palestinians have been killed while trying to receive aid. The statement also condemns the actions of the terrorist group Hamas. Hamas still holds Israeli hostages. Their release is necessary.
The statement carries a simple and clear message: the war in Gaza must end. The Israeli government is called upon to lift restrictions on aid delivery. The UN and humanitarian aid organizations must be able to provide assistance safely and quickly.
The statement has been signed by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Greece, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia did not sign it.
The Estonian Foreign Ministry says that Estonia joined the statement because it is important to adhere to international law and protect civilians. Estonia, along with other Baltic and Nordic countries, has previously called for alleviating the suffering of civilians and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is very bad due to military activities. Aid must reach those in need, and blocking it is unacceptable.
Israel and the US do not agree with the statement. The Israeli Foreign Ministry says that the statement does not reflect the truth. The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, accuses the signatories of pressuring Israel and ignoring Hamas's responsibility.
The statement was made after over a hundred people died over the weekend while seeking aid. Israel announced a new offensive in central Gaza on Monday. The Israeli Foreign Ministry says that the Israeli Defense Forces fired warning shots. The reported number of casualties allegedly does not reflect the actual situation.
EUobserver described Israel's ongoing military activities in the Gaza region. According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, over 130 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,000 injured in the last 24 hours. The statement emphasizes that civilians must be protected and international humanitarian obligations must be fulfilled. Forced displacement is unacceptable.
This statement is one of many that cause frustration. It came ahead of the UN conference in July, where post-war plans for Gaza will be discussed. Estonia also participated in an appeal by 23 countries at the end of May. It called on Israel to allow food aid into the Gaza sector and enable the UN and non-governmental organizations to operate independently there.