Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed Malta will formally recognize the State of Palestine during September’s UN General Assembly, calling it an "unconditional" commitment to lasting Middle East peace. The move reflects Malta’s decades-long support for Palestinian self-determination and contrasts with Britain’s conditional pledge, which demands Israeli concessions first. Abela emphasized recognition as a "concrete step" toward justice, not merely symbolism.
Malta joins France and the UK in a diplomatic wave advancing Palestinian statehood, with over 145 UN members now recognizing Palestine. French President Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer announced similar September recognitions, though Starmer attached conditions requiring Israeli compliance. Ireland, Norway, and Spain paved the way in May 2025, amplifying pressure on holdout nations. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed these steps as "political, legal, and ethical obligations" under international law.
Abela condemned Israel’s blockade of Gaza, declaring, "Starvation is being used as a destructive tool to massacre children". His announcement followed protests in Valletta, where Palestinian Ambassador Fadi Hanania criticized the international community for abandoning Palestinians during 77 years of occupation. The EU, Palestine’s largest aid donor has provided €12.65 billion since 2007, yet faces criticism for inadequate action on Gaza’s famine.
Malta’s ruling party and center-right opposition both demanded immediate recognition, with opposition leader Bernard Grech stressing, "The more days pass, the more people are dying". Abela had initially planned recognition for June 2025, but a postponed UN conference delayed the move. The decision aligns with a 15-nation "New York Declaration" urging universal recognition to implement the two-state solution.
The recognition strengthens global efforts to end Israel’s occupation and solidify Palestinian statehood. While Israel denounced similar moves as "rewarding terrorism," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that consistency in applying international law is essential for peace. Malta’s stance signals diminishing tolerance for Israel’s violations and growing solidarity with Palestinian sovereignty.