Finnish President Signals Willingness to Recognize Palestinian Statehood
Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, has expressed his willingness to endorse the recognition of a Palestinian state, contingent on the government advancing and presenting an official proposal.
Stubb stated on X that the recent decisions by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada underscore a growing trend toward recognizing Palestine, as part of renewed efforts to revitalize the peace process.
He stated that he stands ready to approve any proposal brought to him regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Earlier, Stubb informed the Finnish news agency STT that the issue of recognizing Palestine has advanced to a stage where Finland is compelled to make a decision.
“The challenging issue has been under discussion since early October 2023. It is now apparent to me that the situation has evolved to a stage where Finland must make a decision,” he stated.
Stubb conveyed optimism about Finland potentially recognizing Palestine, highlighting that this move would hold more substantial meaning if it were aligned with a broader international effort.
He emphasized that acknowledgment should be aimed at advancing the peace process and the envisioned two-state solution.
Trump has further condemned the alleged actions by Israel in Gaza, describing the collective punishment and suffering of civilians as “unacceptable.”
**Portugal’s Initiative to Acknowledge Palestine Receives Acclaim**
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday praised Portugal’s decision to commence the process of recognizing a Palestinian state in September. He characterized the move as a crucial step in advancing the proposed two-state solution.
In a statement conveyed by the official WAFA news agency, Abbas hailed Portugal’s decision as both positive and courageous, emphasizing that it fortifies the journey toward peace and mirrors the burgeoning consensus within the international community.
He urged countries that have yet to acknowledge a Palestinian state to “undertake similar significant actions in support of peace.”
Several nations, among them France and Canada, have committed to acknowledging a Palestinian state during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September.
Among the United Nations’ 193 member nations, 148 currently extend recognition to Palestine, which was initially proclaimed by the Palestinian leadership in exile back in 1988.
On Monday, Israeli human rights groups B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. They pointed to the systematic destruction of Palestinian society and the deliberate dismantling of the region’s healthcare facilities.
According to recent reports, the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of at least 60,332 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. Additionally, an estimated 148,870 individuals have sustained injuries in the conflict.
