Malta to Recognise Palestinian State at UN Following UK and France’s Lead

Malta has announced its intention to recognize a Palestinian state during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, following the recent decisions by the United Kingdom and France. This move reflects a growing European support for Palestinian statehood and aims to promote lasting peace in the Middle East.

Key Points of Malta’s Decision

• Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasized the importance of dialogue and a two-state solution in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• The recognition aligns Malta with the UK and France, which have also expressed support for Palestinian statehood, though the UK has tied its recognition to specific conditions regarding Israeli actions and humanitarian aid.
• Malta’s strategic role in the European Union enhances the diplomatic significance of this move.
• The recognition is intended to encourage renewed negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

Context and Implications

The decision comes amid heightened global focus on the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza and the West Bank. International actors view recognition as a way to bolster Palestine’s political status and strengthen its position in peace talks.

The upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September will be a pivotal moment where member states will debate and vote on matters related to international peace and security, providing Malta with a platform to advocate for a resolution that honors the rights and sovereignty of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Potential Impact on European Policy

Malta’s recognition may influence other smaller European Union countries to reconsider their stances on the Israel-Palestine conflict, potentially reshaping the EU’s collective diplomatic approach in the region.

Prime Minister Abela highlighted that this decision is part of a wider European effort to foster stability and justice in the Middle East, calling upon all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve a lasting peace agreement.

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