Malta will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday. The country joins Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, which recognized Palestine on Sunday. Several other nations, including France, are also expected to follow suit.
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the decision, which was initially planned for May but delayed due to the postponement of the UN conference. Malta has a long-standing history of supporting Palestinian causes and advocates for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Despite its support for Palestine, Malta maintains diplomatic relations with Israel. The island has a unique connection to Palestinian history, as the wife of former leader Yasser Arafat lived there for several years.
On Sunday, Abela highlighted Malta’s humanitarian support by announcing a donation of flour to Gaza. He called Malta’s recognition of Palestine a “historic” step and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace in the region.
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The move reflects growing international momentum to support Palestinian statehood amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Malta’s recognition adds to the diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through peaceful means.