Watch: Genocide In Gaza? Robert Abela Warns 20,000 Innocent People Killed
Prime Minister Robert Abela warned that over 20,000 innocent people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war but that he will “leave it up to the people” to decide whether that qualifies as genocide or not.
Lovin Malta asked Abela whether Malta intends to support an ICJ case that South Africa recently filed, which accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza.
“Our country’s position has always been that we are keenly following developments,” Abela responded.
“Our positions have been clear from the start, unlike those who opted for convenience and personal political capital and behaved antagonistically by visiting Israel as a show of support for what was happening. The consequences were what they were.”
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Asked to clarify whether he was referring to European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Abela said it was “evident” who he was talking about.
“Our position was that we unreservedly condemn what Hamas did on 7th October and that we recognise Israel’s right to self-defence within the parameters of international law and humanitarian laws,” he said. “However, we also said that no right to self-defence should result in retaliation that has seen over 20,000 people, many of whom were innocent women and children, lose their lives.”
The Prime Minister said the chances are that many of the atrocities in Gaza wouldn’t have occurred had European and global leaders found the “courage” to demand a permanent ceasefire from the start.
“They didn’t do so because they were scared of stepping on certain toes and for no other reason,” he said.
Do you think Israel’s actions in Gaza qualify as genocide?
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