Robert Fico on Gaza
TL;DR
Robert Fico condemned the Hamas attack but strongly criticized the EU's perceived hypocrisy regarding the high civilian death toll in Gaza.
Key Points
In December 2023, he criticized the European Union's 'hypocrisy' regarding the extensive civilian death toll in Gaza.
He stated Israel has the right to use force against Hamas, but that every retaliation must follow international humanitarian law.
In January 2026, he advised that Slovakia should reject an invitation to join the US-led Board of Peace initiative.
Summary
Robert Fico, the Slovak Prime Minister, has expressed a nuanced position on the conflict in Gaza, which includes an initial condemnation of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, his primary focus in public statements has been a forceful critique of the European Union's collective response, which he has labeled as hypocritical. He argued that the EU was unable to form a unified written position and failed to openly acknowledge the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties resulting from the Israeli military retaliation.
He stressed that while Israel has the right to respond to terrorism under international law, every use of force must adhere to established rules. The Prime Minister noted that the EU appeared unwilling to openly address the extent of the civilian death toll in Gaza, contrasting the situation there with other global conflicts. Furthermore, he has expressed a preference for diplomatic engagement, signaling this by rejecting an invitation to join a parallel peace council structure and maintaining that dialogue, unlike suspension of agreements, should continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robert Fico's current stance involves condemning the initial Hamas attack while strongly criticizing the European Union for its perceived hypocrisy. He has emphasized that the international community must acknowledge the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties from the Israeli military response.
He expressed opposition to being part of a parallel peace structure, advising Slovakia to reject the invitation to join the US President's Board of Peace. Fico stated that existing international institutions, like the UN, should be reformed rather than circumvented by new bodies.
The Prime Minister affirmed that Israel undoubtedly holds the right to employ appropriate force in response to terrorist attacks by Hamas. However, he consistently qualified this by stressing that any retaliation is bound by the rules set out in international and humanitarian law.