Norway, Sweden and Finland urge cease-fire amid ‘unimaginable suffering' in Gaza, West Bank and Lebanon
Nordic countries said Monday that lasting peace in the Middle East can only be achieved with a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while calling for a two-state solution.
Finland's Foreign Ministry stressed that a permanent solution to the security situation in the Middle East can only be achieved through negotiations.
“The events of the past year have once again demonstrated that there can be no lasting peace in the region without a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the ministry said on X.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called for a cease-fire, the release of hostages, de-escalation in the region and increased humanitarian access.
“In the long term, a two-state solution is needed where Israel and Palestine can live side by side in peace, freedom and democracy,” Kristersson said on X.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also called for a cease-fire as the “unimaginable suffering” of the civilian population continues in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.
He stressed that a negotiated two-state solution and respect for international law are the only ways to bring lasting stability and security for everyone living in the region.
“Children and young people throughout the Middle East have the right to grow up in peace and security,” Eide said.
“Since 7 October last year, we have witnessed an intense and dramatic war in the Middle East which has caused unimaginable suffering for the civilian population and many deaths in Gaza, the West Bank and now also in Lebanon.
“Millions of people have had to flee. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic,” he added.
According to Eide, conflicts and tragedies unfolding simultaneously in the Middle East must be resolved through negotiations and diplomacy and “not by force of arms.”
“More than ever, we need a cease-fire and the release of the hostages,” he stressed.
Eide warned on Thursday that the Middle East is on the brink of a major war, describing the situation as “very serious” amid Israeli air strikes on Lebanon.
“The war in Gaza has almost been going on for a year. In recent weeks, we have seen a further escalation. We are approaching a breaking point. The region is on the brink of a major war which could involve even more states and create an even greater humanitarian disaster,” he said.
Since Israel launched a brutal war on Gaza last October, it has killed more than 41,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children and injured almost 100,000, with thousands still missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings.
Exactly a year into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice due to its actions in Gaza.
