Another country decides to recognize Palestine

The Nordic country of Finland has announced that it will join the France-Saudi Arabia-led declaration on the recognition of the State of Palestine and the support for a two-state solution in the region, to be held in conjunction with the UN General Assembly in September.

In a written statement issued by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the participation in the declaration, the following statements were included:

“(Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs) Elina Valtonen, following discussions with leaders of other states, will participate in the decision to implement a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue and a solution under the leadership of other states.”

CALL FOR A TWO-STATE SOLUTION

The declaration brings together broad international support to end the war in Gaza, release all hostages, and strengthen security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The declaration harmonizes a gradual process for a permanent end to hostilities and a two-state solution based on UN resolutions, and calls on Israel and the Palestinians to begin direct consultations.

CALL FOR HAMAS TO LAY DOWN ARMS

The declaration and the decision to join it are consistent with (Finnish Prime Minister) Petteri Orpo's Government Program and the Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy. The declaration states that the Palestinian Authority is the sole administrative, law enforcement, and security body in Palestinian territories. The Hamas regime in Gaza must be ended and it must surrender its weapons.

'ISRAEL NEEDS TO WITHDRAW FROM GAZA'

A temporary international stabilization mission to be prepared under the mandate of the UN will support the transfer of internal security responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, oversee the ceasefire, and provide security guarantees to both Israel and Palestine.

The document also requires the continuation of reforms by the Palestinian Authority and the holding of elections, the implementation of measures to combat radicalization and hate speech, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza as part of the agreed-upon arrangements.

FINLAND JOINED ON THE FINAL DAY

France and Saudi Arabia organized a conference in New York from July 28-30 to promote a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the end of the conference, France and Saudi Arabia invited UN member states to join the declaration. The deadline for notifications of participation was September 5, 2025.