GENEVA

A majority of Finnish parliamentary parties support recognizing the State of Palestine, but resistance from two governing parties is delaying progress, according to a survey published by Yle on Monday.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has hardened its position since May. "Finland will questionably be on the wrong side of history if it does not recognise the State of Palestine at the latest by the time France intends to do so officially during the UN week this autumn," said Tytti Tuppurainen, chair of the SDP parliamentary group.

The National Coalition Party (NCP) and the Swedish People’s Party (SPP) support recognition but favor a slower timeline.

"Recognition should be granted at a time when it is deemed to best promote stability, peace and security in the region and as part of a broader framework that promotes the security of both parties. The most urgent task is to alleviate the acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza," said Jukka Kopra, chair of the NCP parliamentary group.

The Finns Party and the Christian Democrats oppose recognition. "The region does not currently meet the conditions for a two-state model, and terrorism has not been brought to an end," said Jani Makela, chair of the Finns Party parliamentary group.

Meanwhile, the Greens condemned the government’s response to Gaza.

"The government’s passivity and caution in the face of the genocide in Gaza will remain a repulsive stain in Finland’s history," said Oras Tynkkynen, chair of the Greens’ parliamentary group.

On Friday, President Alexander Stubb described the situation in Gaza as "increasingly inhumane" and the "man-made famine" as both "deplorable and shameful."

Discussions over recognition of Palestine gained momentum once again after France announced that it will formally recognize Palestine during the UN General Assembly week in September.