Finland joins New York declaration led by France and Saudi Arabia aimed at a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue through a two-state model. The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on 5 September. She stated the declaration’s goal is to end the Gaza war and remove Hamas from Palestinian governance.
The declaration has received widespread backing from Arab countries and Western states. It calls for Hamas’s disarmament, guarantees for the security of both Israelis and Palestinians, a ceasefire, and prompt delivery of humanitarian aid. It also condemns Hamas’s October 2023 attack and Israel’s operations that caused civilian casualties in Gaza.
Valtonen described the initiative as the most significant international effort in years to revive conditions for a two-state solution. She stressed that it aligns with Finland’s foreign and security policy approved by Parliament.
Despite the support, three ministers, Sari Essayah, Riikka Purra, and Ville Tavio, entered dissenting opinions in the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy. They argued that the declaration contradicts Finland’s approved policy that requires a two-state solution to be negotiated directly between the parties.
“This does not officially recognise a Palestinian state,” Essayah said. “But it promotes the two-state model in a way that contradicts our agreed position, which states the model must be based on mutual agreement.”
Purra added that the declaration contained positive elements but exceeded the framework of Finland’s security policy. She emphasized that it included irreversible steps toward a Palestinian state without sufficient negotiation between the parties.
Valtonen disputed their interpretation, stating the declaration is consistent with the government programme and the security policy statement passed by Parliament. She argued that recent actions and rhetoric in the region justify a proactive stance to maintain conditions for future peace.
“The idea that we wait for negotiations that may never come is no longer realistic,” Valtonen said. “The international community must keep the two-state option alive.”
Valtonen highlighted support from Arab states, including 22 members of the Arab League. The declaration demands Hamas’s disarmament and a transfer of control in Gaza, a position not previously endorsed by such a broad coalition.
She emphasized that Finland’s signing supports efforts to secure regional peace and establish Palestinian self-governance under democratic reforms. The declaration does not call for recognition of Palestine as a state.
Valtonen stressed that humanitarian aid must reach Gaza immediately and obstacles to delivery must be removed. The declaration outlines a reconstruction plan led by Arab states and proposes an international mission to assist the Palestinian Authority in restoring internal security and monitoring the ceasefire.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo endorsed Valtonen’s position, stating the decision aligns with both the government programme and Finland’s foreign and security policy.
“It’s about creating the conditions for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the Middle East,” Orpo told Ilta-Sanomat. “That’s why we support the declaration.”
He acknowledged the internal disagreement but said debates are healthy in a democratic government.
The New York declaration requires broad international backing to succeed. It was prepared ahead of the United Nations General Assembly later in September, where further steps are expected.
Valtonen highlighted the urgency, noting that Israel’s recent actions risk undermining the foundation for future negotiations by reducing territory allocated to Palestinians. She also condemned statements suggesting forced displacement or deprivation of Palestinians.
“Such measures are unacceptable,” Valtonen said.
The declaration states that UNRWA’s responsibilities in Gaza should be transferred to the Palestinian Authority once a peace settlement is in place. It calls for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and for reconstruction to proceed under Arab leadership.
By signing, Finland joins countries publicly supporting a renewed push for a two-state solution. Valtonen noted that many of Finland’s peer nations have already joined or plan to join the declaration. The signing deadline was 5 September and did not require full cabinet consensus.
