The Nationalist Party has urged the government to formally and immediately recognise the State of Palestine, following Prime Minister Robert Abela’s strongest hint yet that Malta could take that step next month.
In a statement released Thursday, the PN condemned the “indiscriminate killing of thousands of innocent Palestinians” in Gaza, including children, and described a population “left starving, without water, and deprived of basic humanitarian aid in pursuit of a political objective”. The party said the situation constitutes a violation of international law and basic human rights.
“The Partit Nazzjonalista maintains its firm belief that the only viable path forward is a lasting peace built on mutual recognition and respect between the State of Israel and a Palestinian State,” it said. “The PN urges the Maltese government to take the natural next step and immediately recognise the State of Palestine.”
The statement followed a heated exchange in Parliament earlier this week, where PN MPs Albert Buttigieg, Mario de Marco and Darren Carabott pressed the Prime Minister on when Malta would act. In response, Abela said it had never been a question of if Malta would recognise Palestine, but when.
“I am determined to be the Prime Minister who makes it happen,” Abela told the House, adding that the right conditions were becoming “increasingly tangible”. He hinted at “significant developments” in June, not only from Malta but from other major EU countries as well.
Malta has previously said it would recognise Palestine “when the time is right”, and last year appeared close to doing so after countries like Norway, Ireland and Spain formally took the step. However, the Foreign Ministry later clarified that recognition would only come when it could make a meaningful diplomatic impact.
MEPs also debated the issue in the European Parliament this week. PN MEP David Casa called for Malta to recognise Palestine “without further delay”, while fellow PN representative Peter Agius posted a video reiterating that “there is only one solution — a Palestinian state”.
Labour MEP Alex Agius Saliba has also added to the growing pressure within Abela’s own party, calling recognition “more urgent than ever before”. Labour Party President Alex Sciberras echoed that call back in February.
Malta recently joined six other EU states in calling for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. With momentum building across Europe, and political will seemingly aligning at home, the question now is not only when Malta will act — but whether it will do so ahead of its peers or move in concert with them.