Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar in Jerusalem, where they discussed various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Finland and Israel. Valtonen specifically highlighted the urgent needs of the civilian population in Gaza and the importance of ensuring unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. This indicates Finland's commitment to addressing humanitarily critical issues amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.

During her visit, which is scheduled to last until Monday, Valtonen is also set to meet with several other key figures, including Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa in Ramallah. These meetings underscore Finland’s intention to promote regional stability and support a two-state solution, reflecting Finland's proactive diplomatic role in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly in terms of humanitarian support.

The backdrop of these discussions includes recent deadly airstrikes in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, emphasizing the urgent humanitarian context in which these talks are occurring. Valtonen's engagements, which also include meeting representatives from civil society and visiting the Holocaust memorial center Yad Vashem, signify an effort to foster deeper ties with both Israeli and Palestinian authorities while advocating for humanitarian considerations in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.