Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has declared that Malta will officially recognize the State of Palestine next month, driven by escalating humanitarian concerns in Gaza.
During a political gathering, Abela highlighted both national and international issues, focusing particularly on the deteriorating conditions in the besieged Palestinian territory. As reported by Malta Today, the formal recognition is set to occur after a conference scheduled for June 20.
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“We cannot ignore this worsening human tragedy,” Abela remarked, referring to the ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which health officials report have killed nearly 54,000 Palestinians, the majority being women and children.
The prime minister framed Malta’s recognition as a “moral duty” in response to the persistent violence and rising civilian casualties since October 2023.
He also expressed deep grief over the recent death of nine children from the family of Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Alaa Al-Najjar, whose home in Khan Younis was struck in an Israeli air raid on Saturday. Dr. Najjar’s husband, also a doctor, sustained critical injuries in the attack, with only one child surviving.
In a show of support, Abela announced Malta’s readiness to provide refuge for Dr. Al-Najjar and her family, reinforcing the country’s commitment to humanitarian principles.
This move aligns Malta with other European nations, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, which have recently announced plans to recognize Palestinian statehood amid mounting global appeals for a ceasefire and a negotiated two-state solution.
