Prime Minister Robert Abela, on behalf of the Maltese people, has officially recognised the State of Palestine. The Government said that this historic decision aligns Malta with the growing number of nations affirming Palestinian statehood as a cornerstone for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the United Nations Conference on the Two-State Solution.

In his statement, Prime Minister Abela said, “on behalf of the Maltese people, I have today confirmed our nation’s recognition of Palestinian statehood. Today’s step, however, is only one of many needed to achieve the dream of all those of goodwill. Starvation in Gaza must end. Fighting must stop now. All October 7th hostages must be released. Hamas has no future in the new Palestinian state.”

He added, “Malta is not naïve. We know that the road is hard and testing, but a peaceful two-state solution remains the only solution for the region, and we are ready to offer our assistance to give life to this solution. Just because something is hard does not make it impossible.”

The Government said that Malta has “consistently condemned the terrorist attacks of the 7th of October 2023 by Hamas and has reiterated its call for the unconditional release of all hostages, alongside its urgent appeal for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”

The statements were delivered at a tailor-made event as part of the UN General Assembly week currently happening in New York. Other countries who also confirmed the recognition of Palestinian statehood included Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Monaco and San Marino. Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom all recognised the Palestinian state on Sunday.

In parallel with its political commitment, the Government said that Malta is also acting on the humanitarian front. On the eve of this announcement Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed in a public message that 250 tonnes of flour from Malta had successfully arrived in Gaza and are to be distributed through the World Central Kitchen as humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Malta is also continuing to assist Palestinian children injured in the conflict, demonstrating the government’s commitment to combine declarations for a better future with concrete action to address current suffering.

Prime Minister Robert Abela is currently in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where more than 190 world leaders, including Heads of State and Government, are gathered to discuss global peace, human rights, and sustainable development under the theme set by UN Secretary-General António Guterres: ‘Better United Together: 80 Years and more for Peace, Development and Human Rights.’

Photo: DOI

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