Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen during a plenary session of Parliament in Helsinki on 22 May 2025. The session included a topical debate on the war in Gaza. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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Finland has rejected Israel’s latest decision to approve 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling the move a violation of international law and a threat to peace efforts.
“Settlements are illegal under international law,” said Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen in a statement posted to X on Friday. “Creating deliberate obstacles to the two-state solution is unacceptable and runs counter to international efforts to advance peace.”
The remarks follow Israel’s confirmation that its Defence Ministry has authorised the construction of 22 new settlement projects in West Bank territory occupied since 1967. The international community does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over these areas.
The United Nations and the International Court of Justice have long held that settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem breaches international law. In July 2024, the ICJ ruled that Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian land is illegal and called for the dismantling of all settlements in the occupied territories.
Despite the ruling, Israeli settlement growth has continued. The new approval marks one of the largest recent expansions, drawing condemnation from European governments and human rights groups.
Finland’s statement aligns with broader European Union policy, which supports a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders. The Finnish government reiterated its commitment to international law and the preservation of conditions for peaceful resolution.
No further details were provided by the Finnish Foreign Ministry on whether the matter would be raised at the EU level or through diplomatic channels.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
