LONDON

The Finnish president on Friday voiced concern over the suffering of Gazans that becoming "increasingly inhumane," saying what is happening in the besieged enclave is a "man-made famine."

"The suffering of civilians in Gaza is becoming increasingly inhumane. We are witnessing an unacceptable and shameful man-made famine," Alexander Stubb wrote in a post on X.

Criticizing the Israeli government's model for delivering humanitarian aid, the president said it is not working as vital aid is not reaching its destination, while hundreds of people have been shot while seeking food.

"The Israeli Government must let the UN and international NGOs do their job and deliver life-saving aid without delay. The war must end now," he said.

Labelling the crippling situation faced by Palestinian civilians as "unsustainable," Stubb expressed their demand that the parties agree to an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

"Finland is committed to the two-state model in accordance with UN resolutions," he underlined, mentioning that the Nordic country is closely discussing the next steps with key European allies, based on Helsinki's position.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 59,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The relentless bombardment has destroyed the enclave and led to food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.