Finland slams Gaza suffering; Europe leaders welcome Macron's decision
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Finland's president calls the suffering in Gaza unacceptable and a "man-made famine."
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French President Emmanuel Macron uses an umbrella as he waits for Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, on July 24, 2025, at the Elysee Palace in Paris (AP)
European leaders have largely welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to formally recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, calling it a meaningful step toward a "two-state solution and peace" in the Middle East.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris hailed Macron’s announcement as “an important contribution” to peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also voiced support, saying France joins Spain and others in defending the "two-state solution" against what he described as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to derail it.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney urged the UK to follow suit, calling recognition “essential for peace,” while Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon praised Macron’s move as “a bold step” grounded in international law.
However, some European governments expressed more cautious or conditional support. The Czech Republic reaffirmed its commitment to a "two-state solution" but insisted Palestinian statehood must result from direct negotiations. President Petr Pavel echoed that view during a visit to Japan.
Germany and Italy also stopped short of backing France’s move. A German government spokesperson said recognition should come only at the end of a negotiated peace process and highlighted the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives, and Hamas’ disarmament. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani echoed the "two-state" vision but stressed mutual recognition, saying, “We are interested in peace, not in the victory of one side over the other."
Finland condemns Gaza crisis, warns of 'man-made famine'
Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Friday reaffirmed Finland’s support for a "two-state solution" based on UN resolutions and said Helsinki is in close coordination with key European partners to determine next steps.
In a post on X, he also strongly criticized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the situation “increasingly inhumane” and warning that civilians are facing a “man-made famine".
Stubb wrote: "The suffering of civilians in Gaza is becoming increasingly inhumane. We are witnessing an unacceptable and shameful man-made famine."
The suffering of civilians in Gaza is becoming increasingly inhumane. We are witnessing an unacceptable and shameful man-made famine.
— Alexander Stubb (@alexstubb) July 25, 2025
The Israeli government's model for delivering humanitarian aid is not working. Vital aid is not reaching civilians and hundreds of people have…
He condemned the Israeli government's current model for delivering humanitarian aid, saying it has failed to ensure that vital assistance reaches those in need, urging the occupation to allow the UN and international NGOs full access to deliver life-saving aid without delay.
Stubb called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of captives, describing the conditions faced by Palestinians as “unsustainable".
