HELSINKI (Dispatches) -- 
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has expressed his readiness to recognize a Palestinian state if the government formally submits a proposal, signaling a growing international shift challenging Israel’s ongoing aggression. 
Stubb pointed to recent recognition decisions by France, the United Kingdom, and Canada as part of a broader momentum to revive the stalled peace process. He emphasized that Finland’s recognition would carry greater weight if coordinated internationally, aiming to advance a genuine two-state solution.
Stubb strongly condemned Israel’s atrocities in Gaza, denouncing the collective punishment and immense suffering inflicted on Palestinian civilians as “unacceptable.” His stance reflects mounting international frustration with Israel’s relentless campaign of violence and illegal annexation efforts in the occupied West Bank.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul underscored this growing diplomatic isolation during a visit to the occupied territories, warning that Israel’s unilateral actions risk severing ties with key European allies. 
While Wadephul stated that recognition of Palestine should come after negotiations, he stressed that the peace process must begin immediately given Israel’s escalating provocations. 
In response, Israel’s far-right ministers, including Itamar Ben-Gvir, launched inflammatory accusations against Germany, crudely accusing Berlin of “supporting Nazism,” highlighting the toxic and dangerous nature of the current Israeli leadership.
Meanwhile, over 70 Israeli lawmakers, including those in prime minister Netanyahu’s coalition, support a resolution to impose sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, entrenching illegal annexation and further undermining prospects for peace. 
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed Portugal’s decision to initiate recognition of Palestine, urging other nations to take similarly courageous steps.
Amid this international wave of pressure, more than twenty former Belgian diplomats and ambassadors have publicly called on their federal government to take stronger action against Israel in an open letter published in De Standaard. 
The diplomats criticized Belgium’s apparent loss of its moral course regarding Gaza and Israel and urged measures ranging from summoning the Israeli ambassador regularly to imposing sanctions on settlers and recognizing the Palestinian state.
Political experts say this rare public intervention by former diplomats signals deep frustration. Professor Dave Sinardet of VUB called the letter a “remarkable signal,” while Sven Biscop of the Egmont Institute noted it was “remarkably significant” to see so many former senior diplomats speak out. 
Sinardet compared the letter’s impact to King Philippe’s exceptional speech condemning the Gaza crisis as “a disgrace to humanity,” underscoring growing calls for a firmer international stance against Israel’s policies.