We, the undersigned Members of the Finnish Parliament, are horrified by the relentless, indiscriminate bombardments of Gaza by Israeli forces that have already resulted in unprecedented level of civilian casualties, including over 4,000 children and caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the area.
We also strongly condemn the unspeakable crimes committed by Hamas and call for the immediate release of all hostages held in Gaza, and we wish to express our sorrow and solidarity with the families of all innocent victims.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has continued already for over a month and while the world has been watching the desperate situation unfolding, Israel has ignored any calls for a lasting ceasefire.
We call on the Government of Finland to condemn the Israeli Government’s disproportionate retaliatory measures that include indiscriminate airstrikes hitting schools, hospitals and homes and imposing a full siege on Gaza Strip and thus cutting water, food, fuel and electricity to the more than 2.2 million people living there. This constitutes an act of collective punishment, which is absolutely prohibited under International law and may amount to a war crime.
It is imperative to have an immediate, comprehensive cease-fire and to urgently allow unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza Strip in order to prevent more deaths and to allow desperately needed humanitarian supplies in.
Finland and the European union also must use all political means to pressure Israel to lift its longstanding blockade on Gaza and to end its apartheid system. While the focus is now on Gaza, we must not overlook the plight of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Last year was already the deadliest for the West Bank Palestinians for 20 years, and the violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has risen sharply since the 7th October.
Finally, we call on the international community to ensure accountability for serious crimes committed by all parties. We emphasise that the only path towards ending violence and achieving sustainable peace is through addressing the root causes to the conflict including through ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory and recognising the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
Helsinki, 14 November 2023
Members of the Finnish Parliament network on human rights and the Palestine group of the Finnish Parliament