Finland Backs EU Move to Pressure Israel Over Gaza Blockade, Calls for Humanitarian Access

Finland has thrown its support behind European Union efforts to pressure Israel into lifting its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, with Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen denouncing the ongoing restrictions as a grave violation of humanitarian law. “Humanitarian access is non-negotiable. This is about legal obligations as much as moral responsibility,” Valtonen stated.
Echoing the EU’s recent demand for an immediate end to the blockade, Valtonen condemned the use of aid as a political weapon and urged Israel to restore the flow of food and supplies, which have been cut off for more than two months. She also backed the Netherlands’ call to reconsider the EU-Israel trade agreement, citing breaches of international law.
At the same time, Valtonen acknowledged the unresolved issue of hostages still held by Hamas, emphasizing that future peace efforts should focus on empowering a legitimate Palestinian Authority while isolating terrorist groups. “There is no direct negotiation with Hamas,” she stressed.
Following talks in Warsaw, Valtonen joined EU foreign ministers in Ukraine, where discussions centered on setting up a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. She reiterated Finland’s commitment to accountability and praised Ukraine’s continued fight for peace and European security.