Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has ignited a firestorm of criticism following her remarks at the European Union summit in Brussels, where she argued against isolating Israel over its military operations in Gaza.
Speaking to reporters, Kallas stated, "We have to understand Israel's position"—a comment that drew swift condemnation from Palestinian advocates and human rights groups. Critics accused the Estonian leader of downplaying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have been killed or displaced in recent months.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The controversy comes as EU leaders gathered in Brussels to discuss the bloc's unified stance on the Middle East conflict. Kallas's comments reportedly caused visible discomfort among some European counterparts, with one unnamed diplomat describing the atmosphere as "tense."
Human Rights Watch issued a statement saying: "When leaders refuse to acknowledge disproportionate civilian casualties, they become complicit in the suffering."
Balancing Act for EU Leaders
The incident highlights the delicate balancing act facing European politicians as they navigate the complex Israel-Palestine conflict. While many EU states have traditionally supported Palestinian statehood, recent events have exposed divisions in the bloc's approach.
Kallas, often seen as a hawkish figure on foreign policy, has previously taken strong stances on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Observers note her latest comments may be an attempt to position Estonia as a bridge between Western and Middle Eastern diplomatic circles.
As the summit continues, all eyes remain on whether other EU leaders will distance themselves from Kallas's remarks or seek to find common ground in the bloc's Middle East policy.
