Finland’s foreign policy: Actions speak louder than words in Gaza, says SDP’s Nasima Razmyar

By admin On Jan 30, 2024

Smoke from bombardment billows in the background as displaced Palestinians flee from Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 30, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. LEHTIKUVA / AFP

Finland has suspended payments to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following a decision by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio of the Finns Party. The decision was made after allegations arose that UNRWA employees may have been involved in Hamas’ October terrorist attack against Israel.

These accusations are grave and concerning, and they must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. It’s a positive sign that the EU also wants to participate in the inquiry.

However, we must keep in mind that UNRWA is not an ordinary aid organization, and the circumstances are far from ordinary. UNRWA is the primary provider of basic services and critical humanitarian aid to Gazans, and Gaza is currently at war. Even before the outbreak of hostilities, many Palestinians relied solely on UN support. Gaza’s infrastructure has already collapsed, the healthcare system is nearly destroyed, and the survival of thousands of people is at stake,” emphasizes Razmyar.

UNRWA has stated that it will have to cease its operations in Gaza by the end of February if its funding is cut. Several parties have emphasized that no other organization can replace UNRWA, especially not within this timeframe.

Based on publicly available information, I consider the decision to be excessive and too hasty. The European Commission has also stressed that when making funding decisions, both the seriousness of the allegations and the continuity of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians must be taken into account. Other Nordic countries have not ceased their funding but are investigating the situation. In such cases, I would hope for more careful consideration,” says Razmyar.

She sees a broader pattern repeating itself in Western states’ Middle East policies: decisions regarding Gaza are made very quickly, while those concerning Israel are made more slowly, with greater deliberation and caution. There is a risk that Gaza’s children will become a generation that harbors resentment towards Israel and Western countries.

In Razmyar’s view, Finland’s foreign policy leadership’s words and actions do not align.

“How is it possible that just a week ago, at the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting, there was a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, discussions about protecting civilians and upholding international law, and a week later, vital humanitarian aid to Gaza is cut off? It inevitably creates the impression that a minister from the Finns Party is making significant foreign policy decisions for domestic political reasons, with the rest of the government quietly acquiescing,” Razmyar wonders.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi