HELSINKI, Finland — February 20, 2026 – A prominent Finnish advocacy organisation has called on the government to take stronger diplomatic action to prevent what it describes as de facto annexation of the West Bank and to oppose attempts to undermine a United Nations human rights expert’s work.
In a letter sent to Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on 17 February, the Arabikansojen ystävyysseura (Arab Peoples’ Friendship Association) urged Helsinki to go beyond verbal criticism and adopt concrete measures in response to recent Israeli policy decisions affecting the occupied West Bank.
The association described a series of Israeli administrative changes to land registration and property control in the West Bank as effectively paving the way for annexation, a move critics say would deepen an occupation that much of the international community regards as unlawful under international law. Similar warnings have been issued by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Francesca Albanese, who described expanded land measures as steps toward permanent annexation and urged states to withhold recognition or assistance for actions that would entrench the occupation.
In its appeal, AKYS urged Finland and other EU states to take firm steps including:
• Suspending trade involving illegal settlements and reconsidering existing EU association agreements;
• Recognising a Palestinian state in pursuit of a sustainable two-state solution;
• Defending the independence of UN human rights mechanisms against political attacks.
The letter specifically criticised recent calls by some European politicians for the resignation of Special Rapporteur Albanese, which Amnesty International and other rights groups have condemned as unjustified attacks rooted in misrepresentation of her remarks. International organisations have argued that attempts to discredit UN experts undermine impartial application of human-rights law and distract from alleged violations on the ground.
AKYS warned that without firmer diplomatic engagement, the situation risks eroding international legal norms, entrenching discrimination, and jeopardising the prospects for peace in the region.
Finland’s official position on Middle East issues emphasises respect for international humanitarian law and humanitarian access, with previous national statements calling for negotiated solutions and protection of civilians.
