VALLETTA: Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday that Malta will officially recognise the State of Palestine next month, describing the move as a "moral responsibility" amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking at a political event, Abela addressed both domestic and international issues, with particular emphasis on the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza. He highlighted the devastating toll of the conflict, which has claimed the lives of nearly 54,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children.
“We cannot close our eyes to this human tragedy that is getting worse every day,” Abela said, condemning the relentless Israeli bombardment and the suffering it has caused.
Abela confirmed that Malta’s formal recognition of Palestine will follow an upcoming international conference scheduled for June 20. The decision places Malta among a growing list of countries that are moving toward recognising Palestinian statehood in response to the crisis.
The prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the killing of nine children of Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Alaa Al-Najjar, whose home was bombed by Israeli forces on Saturday in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Her husband, also a doctor, was critically injured in the attack, and only one of their children survived.
The tragedy, Abela said, reflects the larger humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and reinforced Malta’s resolve to act. He called the decision to recognise Palestine not only a political gesture but a step grounded in human dignity and justice.
Malta’s move is expected to add pressure on other European nations to follow suit, amid mounting calls for a ceasefire and a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As international concern over the war continues to grow, Abela’s announcement signals a significant diplomatic stance and a call for collective global responsibility in addressing one of the most pressing crises of the modern era.
