Ritratt: Miguela XuerebCentrist political party Momentum has denounced the Maltese government for stalling the formal recognition of Palestine, demanding immediate action instead of waiting until a proposed June date.
In a statement released Sunday, Momentum chairperson Arnold Cassola harshly criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela and Foreign Minister Ian Borg following Borg’s comments during an appearance on Andrew Azzopardi on RTK103. Borg hinted that Malta, along with other countries, may recognise the State of Palestine at a United Nations conference scheduled for June 20.
Cassola accused the government of deliberately delaying recognition to align it with diplomatic schedules, rather than responding to the urgent humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was recently indicted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, stating:
“This is perfect timing. Netanyahu will be given four weeks to sweep away all Palestinians from Gaza. Once the area is reduced to a wasteland and occupied, then Abela and others will come forward to recognise Palestine.”
Cassola further criticised the government for backing out of previously planned joint recognition with Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024. “Malta was meant to act last month, but Abela pulled out at the last moment,” he said.
Describing the current approach as “shameful”, Cassola accused Malta’s leaders of granting Netanyahu more time to solidify control over Gaza while hiding behind legal technicalities.
“They are giving him all the time he needs to change the facts on the ground and later negotiate based on who’s in and who’s out,” he said, referencing the phrase “min hu ġewwa, ġewwa… min hu barra, barra” (who’s inside, stays in… who’s outside, stays out).
He concluded by calling for a return to moral leadership:
“Malta doesn’t need political leaders governed by cheap legalisms. What we need is ethical behaviour in politics — urgently.”
Momentum’s statement adds to mounting criticism of the government’s handling of Palestine recognition, as pressure builds domestically and internationally for immediate diplomatic acknowledgement.
