Urgent Appeal: Nordic countries urge swift and decisive action regarding the situation in Gaza
Former Nordic foreign and defense ministers urge immediate action to prevent war crimes in Gaza
Thirteen former Nordic foreign and defense ministers have collectively appealed to European leaders to take immediate action to halt ongoing war crimes and avert a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The letter, signed by officials from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, claims that over 50,000 Palestinians have perished, with the majority of fatalities being women, children, and civilians who were not actively engaged in combat.
The signatories point to the obstruction of humanitarian aid by Israel as a significant issue, likening the action to the use of starvation as a weapon of war. They argue that this blockade amounts to ethnic cleansing and requires an immediate response from European governments and the European Union.
The appeal calls on European powers to deploy diplomatic, legal, and economic measures to secure an immediate and sustained ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and the unhindered delivery of essential aid, including medical supplies, food, and water, to the civilian population. If diplomatic efforts prove unsuccessful, the signatories urge the European Union to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible.
While acknowledging Hamas's role in crimes against both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, the letter affirms that the right to self-defense does not justify war crimes or crimes against humanity. Israeli officials and military personnel accused of such acts have also been subject to indictment by the International Criminal Court. The signatories emphasize the importance of impartiality in enforcing international humanitarian law, irrespective of the political climate surrounding investigations.
The authors of the appeal maintain that a return to the pre-2023 political and territorial status quo offers no long-term solution to the conflict. Instead, they advocate for the creation of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. They urge European governments to extend recognition to the State of Palestine as a means of reinforcing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and revitalizing the peace process.
The signatories, including former ministers from Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and other Nordic countries, appeal for principled leadership and unwavering resolve from European powers, urging them to uphold human dignity, international law, and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace.
The group’s call for action follows increasing international outrage over Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, with Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway condemning the blockade and advocating for targeted sanctions. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also expressed concern over Israel’s actions in Gaza, stating that they can no longer be justified. As of late May 2025, the European response to the crisis in Gaza is under consideration, with discussions centered on stronger measures such as sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
- The former Nordic foreign and defense ministers have urged European leaders to address war crimes in Gaza, citing the obstructed delivery of essential aid, such as medical supplies, food, and water, as a significant issue.
- In their appeal, the signatories have highlighted the importance of policy and legislation, suggesting that the European Union should impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for the crisis if diplomatic efforts fail.
- Despite acknowledging Hamas's role in crimes, the group emphasizes that the right to self-defense does not justify war crimes or crimes against humanity, a sentiment echoed by the International Criminal Court's indictment of Israeli officials and military personnel.
- In the pursuit of a just and lasting peace, the group advocates for extending recognition to the State of Palestine, reinforcing the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and revitalizing the peace process, while urging European nations to uphold human dignity, international law, and impartiality in enforcing international humanitarian law.
