Finland for role of Int´l humanitarian law in Israel, Gaza

The President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy on Wednesday discussed various vital contemporary issues including underwater infrastructure and Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, said a government press release.

The committee received an update on the attack by Hamas on Israel and observed that fighting continues in the area and the number of deaths is increasing.

Finland condemns acts of violence against civilians and the taking of hostages.

The meeting observed that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was already dire before the start of the events. And Israel’s blockade is weakening the situation civilians are facing in the region.

The President and the Ministerial Committee highlighted the central role of international humanitarian law in all actions.

The committee received a briefing on the situation regarding critical underwater infrastructure in Finland's neighbouring areas. The discussion follows damage observed in the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia, which was likely caused by outside activity, as well as a fault detected in a telecommunications cable between Finland and Estonia.

The President and the Ministerial Committee noted that Finland is cooperating closely on the matter with Estonia in particular, but also with other EU and NATO partners. The level of preparedness concerning Finland’s critical infrastructure has been raised. In terms of security of supply, the situation remains stable.

The President and the Ministerial Committee also discussed the situation of Finnish citizens in Israel and the Palestinian territories. There are still more than 150 Finns who need help leaving the country. It is still possible to leave the country using commercial connections, but it has become more difficult. A further deterioration of the security situation cannot be ruled out.