Stubb, Orpo and Valtonen to Israel: Forced population transfers are a war crime. Photo: Tanel Meos / Lehtikuva
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Monday called on Israel to uphold international obligations and guarantee humanitarian access to Gaza, as the humanitarian situation in the territory continues to deteriorate.
“Finland demands that Israel bear its responsibility under international law and guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid,” Stubb posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, both from the National Coalition Party, echoed the call on their own official accounts, expressing concern over the treatment of civilians.
The statements follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel aims to take full control of Gaza. The move comes as Israeli forces intensify military operations in the region, prompting warnings from international organisations about the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The World Health Organization has stated that two million people in Gaza face starvation, and that access to critical supplies — including food, water, medicine, and fuel — remains blocked.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed on Monday that it had been approached by Israeli authorities regarding the potential resumption of limited aid deliveries. Talks are underway on the terms under which assistance could proceed, AFP reported.
“We are in discussions with them now on how this would take place given the conditions on the ground,” OCHA said.
Israel’s months-long blockade on aid has drawn increasing international criticism. Humanitarian corridors have remained severely restricted, even after Israel reportedly agreed to permit some shipments.
Finnish officials have consistently supported a two-state solution and the protection of civilian populations in conflict zones. Monday’s coordinated statements marked one of the Finnish government’s strongest public interventions on the conflict since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
