Statement by Under-Secretary of State H.E. Outi Holopainen, at the UNSC Open Debate on the Middle East

Statement by Under-Secretary of State H.E. Outi Holopainen, at the UN Security Council Open Debate on the Middle East on 10 June 2026.

President,

We thank the Colombian presidency for convening this important debate.

The need for dialogue and mediation in the Middle East is urgent. Conflicts in the Middle East have caused immeasurable suffering to millions. Innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence, evident in the ongoing crises in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon and Yemen, among others.

The ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, between Lebanon and Israel, gives renewed hope for lasting peace and security. We commend the United States’ role in this regard and call for the direct negotiations to continue. We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, fully respect the ceasefire, avoid escalation, and ensure the protection of civilians. Hezbollah must halt its attacks, and Israel must respect Lebanon’s sovereignty.

We all know how peace can be fragile. International law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, is the true foundation for lasting peace.

And yet, the UN itself is targeted in multiple ways also in the Middle East. Recently, we mourned the death of 7th UNIFIL peacekeeper in Lebanon this spring due to mortar fire. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire UNIFIL community. Attacks on UN peacekeepers are serious violations of international humanitarian law. We must ensure the safety and security of UN personnel at all times.

President, Your Excellencies,

Amid these challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution. Achieving this requires genuine dialogue, mutual recognition, and the political will to find solutions. The New York declaration provides a steppingstone for initiating this much-needed dialogue. We encourage the Security Council to endorse it and support efforts aimed at facilitating peace talks.

President,

Finland has consistently advocated for inclusive dialogue that encompasses diverse voices from the region and from the local level. We need sustainable solutions that reflect the aspirations and needs of whole communities affected by the conflicts.

In conclusion, let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of peace. Dialogue is vital for transforming the current landscape of conflict into one of hope and cooperation. Together, we can build a future where all people in the Middle East can thrive in safety and dignity.

I thank you.