Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) has emphasised the EU's unity in addressing civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip.
"This cannot continue under any circumstances. Israel is primarily responsible here," Valtonen said at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.
She addded that there was evidence that aid trucks have been prevented from entering Gaza.
"I made a very clear appeal to Israel that aid must get there now, whatever it takes," Valtonen told Yle.
Earlier this month, dozens of Foreign Ministry employees signed a rare letter criticising Finland's response to the conflict in Gaza. They condemned what they characterised as Israel's disproportionate use of force and likely violations of international law in the region.
EU supports two-state solution
The EU is pressing Israel on a two-state solution. However, just days ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a different message, telling the BBC he opposed a Palestinian state "in any post-war scenario".
"If Israel does not want to compromise, then we will see," Valtonen said, but did not elaborate any further.
EU foreign ministers also discussed the bloc's aid to Ukraine on Monday. Hungary has resisted the EU's plans to provide Kyiv with a 50-billion-euro aid package. EU leaders are now seeking agreement on the financial support at a summit on February 1.
According to Valtonen, Hungary may drop its Ukraine aid veto.
"Yes, there has been a signal [suggesting this] and it is our strong wish," she said.
Yle News' All Points North podcast has explored the fraught debate in Finland over Israel, Palestine and Gaza.
Listen to the podcast using the embedded player below, via Yle Areena, or on Spotify.
