Malta To Formally Recognise Palestine, Bolstering Global Support For Two-State Solution.
Malta will officially recognise the State of Palestine in September 2025, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, marking a significant step in the nation’s longstanding support for Palestinian statehood. The declaration, made via a social media post, aligns Malta with a growing number of countries advocating for a two-state solution amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Abela’s announcement underscores Malta’s commitment to fostering peace in the Middle East, positioning it as the 149th UN member state to recognise Palestine.
Speaking at a political event in Mosta earlier this year, Abela had initially signalled Malta’s intent to recognise Palestine following a UN conference on 20 June, which was later postponed. The decision was spurred by the dire situation in Gaza, where Abela noted that nearly 54,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed due to Israel’s ongoing military operations. “We cannot close our eyes to this human tragedy that is getting worse every day,” he said, describing recognition as a “moral responsibility.” The Prime Minister’s resolve was further strengthened by his visit to Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, where he met children receiving medical treatment in Malta, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
The formal recognition will take place during the United Nations General Assembly in September, following similar moves by Ireland, Norway, and Spain in May 2024, and recent pledges from the UK and France. Malta’s decision builds on its historical ties with Palestine, having supported the two-state solution since 1988 and maintaining a representative office in Ramallah since 2009. The office facilitates educational and cultural exchanges, including scholarship programmes for Palestinian students. Malta also voted in favour of Palestine’s full UN membership in April 2024, despite pressure from the US and Israel to delay formal recognition, according to diplomatic sources.
Abela’s announcement has drawn praise from international and local advocates. The UN Development Programme’s Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, called it a “defining moment” for Malta’s role in promoting global peace. Local activists in Valletta, who held a pro-Palestinian demonstration hours before the announcement, welcomed the move as a step towards justice. The decision also follows a tragic incident in Khan Younis, where nine children of Palestinian paediatrician Dr Alaa Al-Najjar were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Abela offered to welcome Dr Al-Najjar and her surviving family to Malta, reinforcing the nation’s humanitarian commitment.
Critics, however, note that Malta’s path to recognition has been cautious. In June 2024, reports emerged of US and Israeli pressure to delay the move, with some diplomats expressing frustration over Malta’s hesitation despite its vote for Palestinian UN membership. The government had previously stated it would recognise Palestine “when the circumstances are right,” citing the need for Palestinian governance reforms. Abela’s latest pledge, however, signals a firm commitment, aligning with global momentum towards a two-state solution.
As Malta prepares to formalise its stance at the UN General Assembly, the decision is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties with Palestine and inspire other nations to follow suit. With 147 UN member states already recognising Palestine, Malta’s move could pave the way for broader international support, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
