Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) has said the government is following Israel's actions in Gaza with "great worry" and that "the situation must change."
Speaking to Reuters on Friday, she stressed that Finland strongly opposes any attempt to alter or seize territories allocated to Palestinians under the 1967 agreements — referring specifically to Gaza and the West Bank.
Valtonen said it is vital to preserve the conditions for a two-state solution, even if the prospects currently appear bleak.
"Finland's priorities are clear. First, the humanitarian situation in the area must be eased, and aid must be allowed to reach all parts of Gaza," she said.
She added that Finland does not accept new Israeli settlements in these territories, nor the violence carried out by some settlers in the West Bank.
"We hope hostages are released immediately and that a ceasefire can be reached quickly. This would help lay the groundwork for a broader political solution in the region," Valtonen noted.
France and the United Kingdom have signalled their intention to recognise Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September if their conditions are met.
Valtonen reiterated that Finland's government will assess the situation before the meeting and decide afterward. The Finns Party and Christian Democrats — both in the governing coalition — have opposed recognition.
More sanctions on Russia
In the same interview with Reuters, Valtonen called on the US to place more sanctions on Russia and those buying Russian oil. These secondary sanctions could especially impact China and India, the biggest purchasers of Russian oil.
"I certainly hope that President Trump will move forward with those sanctions," Elina Valtonen said in the interview with Reuters.
President Alexander Stubb meanwhile took part in a phone call this week convened by US President Donald Trump, also attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders.
According to Stubb, the discussion focused on achieving a ceasefire and ending Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
He said he has been conducting active phone diplomacy with European allies, speaking over the past two days with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte.
