Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on Monday expressed profound concern over the Israeli plan to expand military operations in Gaza.
“Deeply concerned about Israeli plans to expand its military operation in Gaza. I once again urge all parties to return to a ceasefire, and Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages. Israel must ensure unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Valtonen wrote in a post on her social media platform X.
Earlier on Monday, Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to escalate the offensive in Gaza, including the occupation of the Gaza Strip and continued control over captured areas.
On May 2, President Alexander Stubb raised his serious concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need to ensure access to lifesaving aid for civilians.
Meanwhile, reports that Israel is expanding military operations in Gaza have alarmed the UN chief, a UN spokesman said on Monday, and UN aid entities have condemned a reported scheme to privatize aid distribution, reported Xinhua.
Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at a daily briefing: "I can tell you that the secretary-general is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza. This will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza."
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
