A coalition of Finnish Members of Parliament has issued a strong appeal to the government, urging the immediate continuation of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This call comes in response to the cessation of funding amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where UNRWA stands as a critical lifeline for millions.
The Finnish Leftist Women s group has voiced a strong condemnation of Israel s ongoing bombing of Gaza, labeling it as an attack against women and children. The crisis in Gaza, which has escalated following Israel s latest airstrikes starting in October 2023, has drawn international concern over the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.
According to UN Women, the casualties in Gaza have now surpassed 24,000, with women and children making up 70% of the victims.
Some members of the Foreign Affairs Committee have independently voiced their apprehensions regarding Israel’s current offensive in the Gaza Strip, which, according to Palestine’s health authority, has led to over 20,000 casualties. In discussions with Helsinki Times, they underscored the need to prevent further escalation in the conflict, urging for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
The chair of the party's parliamentary group told Yle on Thursday that the summer's series of racism scandals involving Finns Party ministers were ”distorted”.
The Swedish People’s Party, which could determine the fate of the ruling coalition, has repeatedly indicated that it will make up its mind on whether to back the embattled ministers based on the upcoming government statement on equality and non-discrimination.