LONDON 

Estonian President Alar Karis said Wednesday the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip has reached catastrophic levels, calling it an "unacceptable" cost in the fight against terrorism. 

He reaffirmed Estonia’s support for a two-state solution and stressed the need for peace and humanitarian access.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Tallinn with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Karis said the large number of civilian deaths in Gaza was deeply worrying.

“A large proportion of those killed are civilians. The price of fighting terrorism cannot be like this, it is not acceptable,” he said, according to Estonian public broadcaster ERR.

His remarks came after bilateral talks with Herzog, who visited Estonia following trips to Lithuania and Latvia this week. 

“As Estonians, we do know that if a nation wants independence, it cannot be denied. But the prerequisite for achieving this is peace,” Karis said, reiterating support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He emphasized that this also requires freeing hostages and adhering to international humanitarian law.

Turning to the growing hunger crisis in Gaza, Karis said: “It is important that humanitarian aid be accessible to all the residents who need it in Palestine. This must be done peacefully, not at the cost of civilians, especially children.”

He also called for greater media access: “Allowing journalists to be in Gaza will be helpful so that we get [the] truth from Gaza.” 

When asked by reporters about the two-state solution, Herzog said the idea is currently unworkable.

“The whole idea of a two-state solution right now is futile, will be adverse to the whole notion of peace,” he said, citing a lack of trust and dialogue between the parties. 

On the war in Ukraine, Karis urged Israel to play a stronger role in supporting Kyiv by applying more pressure on Russia at the international level.

“Ukraine needs more military aid,” he said.

Herzog responded by saying Israel is "proud of its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity" and is acting “in many ways” to help Ukrainians. 

Meanwhile, demonstrators gathered outside Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn to protest Herzog’s visit. According to Estonian daily Postimees, protesters carried Palestinian flags and chanted slogans including “Free Palestine” and “Shame.”