Palestinian Ambassador Calls on Malta to Reaffirm Recognition of Palestine Amid U.S. Occupation Threat
The Palestinian ambassador to Malta Fadi Hanania has called on the government to publicly reaffirm its recognition of Palestine, warning that US plans to establish an indefinite military occupation of Gaza pose an existential threat to Palestinian sovereignty.
His appeal follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated that the United States would occupy the Gaza Strip indefinitely—a statement that marks a significant escalation in Washington’s involvement in the conflict. While the US has long backed Israeli military operations, this signals a direct role in determining Gaza’s future governance.
In a statement to Lovin Malta, the Palestinian ambassador categorically rejected all plans to forcibly displace Palestinians, stressing that Gaza is an “inseparable and integral part” of the Palestinian state and that any attempt to alter its status by force constitutes a violation of international law.
“These plans serve only to entrench the Israeli occupation, colonial settlement, and the illegal seizure of Palestinian land by force—a blatant violation of international law and binding United Nations resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 2334. Such actions not only undermine any prospect for a just and lasting peace but also threaten to plunge the region into further instability and conflict.”
He called on the Maltese government to take a clear stand against displacement and annexation, urging it to reaffirm its recognition of Palestine, as it did in 1988, and to reject any moves that threaten Palestinian sovereignty.
“Rather than advocating for a new Nakba, the international community must direct its efforts towards securing an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation, and supporting the Palestinian people’s resilience in their homeland.”
U.S. and Israeli Plans to Reshape Gaza and the Middle East
The ambassador’s remarks come as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, with senior officials openly discussing plans to relocate Palestinians from the enclave. Meanwhile, far-right Israeli ministers have renewed calls to establish permanent settlements in northern Gaza, despite international opposition.
Trump’s comments add another layer to these developments, hinting at a potential long-term US military presence in Gaza. While details remain unclear, his remarks fit into a broader strategy that has seen both Israel and the US attempt to reshape the region’s political and territorial landscape. In recent years, agreements like the Abraham Accords, alongside military interventions, have altered the balance of power in the Middle East, often at the expense of Palestinian claims to statehood.
Israel’s campaign in Gaza, initially framed as an operation against Hamas, has resulted in large-scale destruction and civilian casualties. Reports of mass displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions have raised concerns that the long-term objective is not just military, but territorial—redrawing Gaza’s demographic and political status to make Palestinian sovereignty unviable.
The Palestinian ambassador warned that these actions are part of a broader strategy that undermines any path towards Palestinian self-determination.
“This includes guaranteeing [Palestinians’] safe return to their homes, delivering urgent humanitarian aid, fostering economic recovery, and reconstructing the Gaza Strip—all necessary steps towards establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.”
Malta’s Response
Lovin Malta reached out to Prime Minister Robert Abela, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola for their responses to Trump’s remarks.
The Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister responded with the same broad statement on supporting a two-state solution but did not directly address Trump’s statement.
Metsola, who has positioned herself as an advocate for European values and democracy, did not issue a response.
With Trump’s comments signalling a new stage in US involvement and Israeli officials openly discussing permanent territorial changes, Palestinian leaders see international recognition as one of the few remaining tools to assert their sovereignty.
Malta, having already recognised Palestine in 1988, is now being asked to reaffirm that stance at a time when Palestinian statehood is under direct threat. Whether the government chooses to take that step remains to be seen.
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