President Alexander Stubb and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on Friday expressed their opposition over the Israeli plan to launch a large-scale ground operation in Rafah and renewed call for ceasefire in Gaza.
The President in a post in his social media platform X, also clarified Finland´s abstention on the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly supporting the Palestinian bid to become a full UN member.
The resolution was adopted with 143 votes in favor and nine against, including the United States and Israel, while 25 countries abstained.
“Today (Friday) the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on strengthening Palestine’s observer status to the United Nations. The resolution also recommended Palestine’s full UN membership. However, this vote was not about making Palestine a full UN member. The admission of new members requires a recommendation of the Security Council, which has not been issued,” Stubb wrote in his post.
He said that Finland abstained in the vote in line with the decision of the President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy, adding that a number of other EU Member States, including Sweden, also abstained.
“Finland strives to advance the two-state solution and an independent, internationally recognized Palestinian state as a full member of the United Nations. When realized, it is of utmost importance that the membership does not remain merely symbolic, but comes as a step of a broad-based, jointly agreed upon plan that produces concrete improvements to the situation of the Palestinians and the security of the whole region. Regrettably, we are not there yet,” he said.
The President said that now, the most urgent issues are deliveries of humanitarian aid, release of the hostages and a ceasefire.
“A large scale ground operation in Rafah would have disastrous consequences. It must not happen. Israel has the obligation to protect civilians,” he added.
Meanwhile the Foreign Minister in a post in her social media platform X called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“I am again calling upon the Israeli government not to launch a large scale ground operation in Rafah. Israel has every right to defend herself against Hamas but not at the cost of innocent civilian lives in Gaza,” Valtonen wrote.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
Do the Finnish authorities believe that their abstention on the UN resolution will have a positive impact on the situation in Gaza?
As a journalist covering international affairs, I can say that the Finnish authorities’ abstention on the UN resolution reflects their cautious approach in promoting peace in Gaza. While it may not have an immediate impact, it sends a message of support for a diplomatic solution and the pursuit of a two-state resolution.
What are the specific reasons behind Finland’s abstention on the resolution supporting the Palestinian bid for full UN membership?
Finland should stand firm against any escalation in Rafah. It is crucial for the safety and well-being of the people in the region. The call for a ceasefire in Gaza must be prioritized for the greater good of all.
Do you think Finland’s stance on the UN resolution reflects the general sentiment in the EU regarding the Palestinian bid for full UN membership?