Finland must recognise Palestine!

SAK is calling for Finland to recognise the State of Palestine without delay. This recognition will help to establish peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution.

SAK also refers to its previously stated position, calling for an end to violence by all parties targeting civilians and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Violators of international law must also be held accountable.

Opportunities to implement the two-state solution that Finland also supports have further deteriorated as the war continues in Gaza and Israel’s illegal settlements expand in the West Bank. Finland may boost the prospects for peace by following the lead of Sweden, Norway, Iceland and others in recognising the State of Palestine.

Finland and the European Union must also pay urgent attention to escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers and the destruction of Palestinian settlements in the West Bank. Finland should support both an end to trade with illegal settlements and sanctions against Israeli authorities that have enabled violence and destruction.

SAK also stresses the concern for Palestinian jobs expressed in a report published by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The Palestinians have lost hundreds of thousands of jobs in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. Adequate and unimpeded humanitarian aid to both Gaza and the West Bank is vital under these circumstances.

It will be essential to establish decent jobs for reconstructing Palestine. The ILO further stresses that respect for the full human dignity of the Palestinian people requires progress towards an independent and viable Palestinian State in accordance with UN resolutions.
Link to the ILO report in English and other languages.