Finland backs UN declaration supporting 'two-state solution'
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Finland has endorsed a Saudi-French UN declaration supporting a "two-state solution", signaling a stronger international push for Palestinian statehood.
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Finnish flag in an undated photo (AFP)
Finland has joined a United Nations declaration supporting a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian cause through the implementation of a "two-state solution". The Nordic country announced its decision on September 5, describing the initiative as a significant international step toward ending the decades-long struggle "Israel" brought upon Palestine.
The declaration emerged from a high-level conference held in July at the UN headquarters, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. Both the United States and "Israel" boycotted the event.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen praised the declaration on X, stating, “The process led by France and Saudi Arabia is the most significant international effort in years to create the conditions for a two-state solution. It is consistent with Finland’s Government Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy, which was unanimously adopted by Parliament.”
"The aim of the Declaration is to build broad support for measures to end the war in Gaza and to implement the two-state solution," Valtonen's post continued. "The objectives can be summarised as follows: the removal of Hamas from Palestinian governance and the disarmament of Hamas; guaranteeing the security of Israelis and Palestinians; ending hostilities; and normalising relations among the countries of the region."
I have today decided that Finland will join the New York Declaration on the peaceful settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution, prepared by France and Saudi Arabia.
— Elina Valtonen (@elinavaltonen) September 5, 2025
The process led by France and Saudi Arabia is the most significant…
According to the Finnish FM, the declaration outlines a series of "tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps" that aim to create a framework for lasting peace between "Israel" and Palestine.
"Israel must withdraw from Gaza. Gaza’s reconstruction would be launched in accordance with the Arab states’ reconstruction plan," she added.
Read more: Finland slams Gaza suffering; Europe leaders welcome Macron's decision
War on Gaza seen as immediate obstacle
A key component of the declaration calls for an immediate end to the Israeli war on Gaza, now nearing its second year, having resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and widespread destruction in the besieged territory.
Ending the ongoing aggression is seen as the first step toward re-establishing a viable environment for political dialogue and movement toward a "two-state solution".
Despite endorsing the declaration, Finland has not formally recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. Unlike several other European countries, including Spain and Norway, Finland’s coalition government remains internally divided over the issue of Palestinian statehood.
While some factions support formal recognition, others are hesitant, citing geopolitical considerations and internal political dynamics.
Read more: Rubio calls France to strongly oppose recognition of Palestine
Broader international push for 'two-state' solution grows
Saudi Arabia and France have called on UN member states to support the declaration and its roadmap. The effort is part of a renewed international push to revive the two-state framework, which envisions an independent Palestinian state existing alongside "Israel".
The initiative reflects growing international frustration over the lack of progress in achieving a just solution for Palestine, amid continued occupation and struggle.
