Watch: Malta Confirms Recognition Of Palestine And Urges End To Violence
Prime Minister Robert Abela has officially confirmed that Malta is recognising the State of Palestine, telling world leaders at the United Nations that a two-state solution remains the only way to secure peace in the Middle East.
Speaking at the UN Conference on the Two-State Solution in New York, Abela said the decision was made “on behalf of the Maltese people” and underlined Malta’s belief that Palestinian statehood must go hand in hand with Israel’s right to exist.
“I recognised the state of Palestine on behalf of my country, which has been and will always remain – in favour of peace,” wrote Abela on social media.
The Prime Minister condemned the 7th October Hamas attacks as “the despicable work of a terrorist organisation which must have no place in the emerging Palestinian state”. He reiterated Malta’s call for the immediate release of all hostages, saying “no ifs, no buts, the hostages must come home – and come home now”.
The last two and a half years of war have shown, however, that deals have too often been undermined – with Israel accused of escalating military actions or delaying prisoner releases under ceasefire agreements, even when both sides were close to fulfilling their obligations.
“Let me begin by stating clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta is proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood,” Abela said. “We do so not as an attack on the State of Israel, but as a demonstration of our commitment to a genuine and peaceful two-state solution – as the only solution that will secure the futures of both peoples.”
Abela went on to stress that recognition of Palestine should not be seen as a victory for Hamas but rather the opposite: “A two-state solution is the worst possible outcome for Hamas. If Palestinians can see a peaceful and realistic road to nationhood and self-determination, it fatally undermines Hamas’ siren cries”.
Malta’s recognition, he added, comes with expectations on both sides. He called on the Palestinian Authority to ensure free and fair elections, remove hate speech from school textbooks, and adhere to non-violence.
For Israel, he demanded an immediate halt to civilian attacks and settler expansion in the West Bank, and for humanitarian aid to flow freely into Gaza.
“The illegal settler encroachment and accompanying violence in the West Bank must stop immediately,” Abela said. “Starvation is being suffered in Gaza and the deaths of hungry civilians trying to access the pitiful trickle of food aid cannot go on. What is happening is morally and legally wrong, and we cannot remain silent.”
The Prime Minister’s speech came one day after he confirmed that Malta had delivered 250 tonnes of flour to Gaza through the World Central Kitchen, and as Malta continues to treat injured Palestinian children locally.
Malta joins a growing list of countries that have recognised Palestinian statehood this week, including the UK, Canada, Australia, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and New Zealand. Abela said Malta is also supporting international efforts such as the Arab-OIC Reconstruction Plan for Gaza and is ready to contribute financially to its implementation.
“We know the path to a two-state solution is long and hard,” Abela concluded. “But the depth of the current tragedy makes it clear that just because something is hard doesn’t make it impossible.”
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