Valletta, Malta — Malta has joined the growing list of countries expressing readiness to recognize Palestine as an independent state, following similar announcements by France and the United Kingdom. The recognition is expected to be formalized during the United Nations General Assembly in September, according to Reuters.
The declaration was made Tuesday evening by Prime Minister Robert Abela, who stated via Facebook:
“Our position reflects our commitment to a lasting peace in the Middle East.”
The Maltese government has faced increasing domestic pressure to support Palestinian statehood. Earlier this month, the center-right opposition also called for immediate recognition.
A member of the European Union, Malta has a longstanding history of supporting Palestinian causes and has consistently advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Prime Minister Abela had initially revealed his intention to recognize Palestine back in May, indicating that the move would be announced at a UN conference in June, which was later postponed.
In May, Ireland, Norway, and Spain officially recognized Palestine as an independent state — a move that drew strong criticism from Israel and the United States. While France and the UK have hinted they may follow suit in September, U.S. President Donald Trump has made it clear that Washington has no plans to do the same.
