Finland joins nations recognizing Palestinian statehood

On Friday, Finland announced that it had signed onto the “New York Declaration” initiated by France and Saudi Arabia. The declaration calls for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the implementation of the two-state solution.

The New York Declaration, first introduced by France and Saudi Arabia in September 2024, emphasizes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The two-state solution has long been one of the primary proposals of the international community to end the conflict, but direct negotiations between the parties have been suspended since 2014. Finland’s endorsement of the declaration is seen as a sign of growing diplomatic support for the resumption of talks.

Western countries continue to insist on the two-state solution, even as Israel has carried out expansionist policies, violating the territorial integrity of what Palestinians regard as their independent homeland. Many Palestinians reject the two-state framework, viewing Israel as an occupying power on their land.

Previously, countries including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Norway had expressed support for this solution.