Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated that alongside supporting Israel, it is crucial to assist the civilians in Gaza, and on Thursday, the Estonian government supported the provision of humanitarian and medical aid to the crisis area in the total sum of 240,000 euros.
Kallas said that while supporting Israel is necessary, it is equally essential to assist the civilians in Gaza, according to government spokespeople.
“Hamas carries out ruthless terror and shows no respect for human life, including the lives of Palestinians. Israel has every right to defend itself. This self-defense must occur in a manner that spares the lives of innocent people and follows the norms of international law,” she said.
“It is also extremely important that humanitarian aid reaches people quickly and without obstacles. Estonia decided to allocate additional aid to support the Palestinian people through UN organizations. We also decided to support Israel with medical supplies and equipment,” the Estonian premier added.
The prime minister noted that radicalization, in any form, is a threat to us all and therefore it is necessary to work with countries in the region and other partners to prevent the conflict in the Middle East from expanding.
“It is in the interest of Israelis, Palestinians, the Middle East, and the world to end the violence and tensions. Inciting crisis in the Middle East benefits forces interested in distracting our attention and fragmenting our unity. It is beneficial to those who want to divert the free world’s attention from supporting Ukraine. Therefore, it is all the more important for us to maintain our united front and broad support for Ukraine,” Kallas emphasized.
Both the UN and other organizations have requested countries to increase urgent humanitarian aid. Estonia has consistently supported the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to cover the humanitarian needs of Palestinian civilians. Estonia last supported UNRWA with 80,000 euros this summer.
Government members agreed with the proposals of Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur to provide a total of 240,000 euros in medical and humanitarian aid to the crisis region in the Middle East, aimed at both Israel and the civilian victims of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Alongside Israel, UNRWA, the World Food Program (WFP), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will receive aid.
Source: BNS
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