“It is a moral responsibility,” Maltese leader affirms amid worsening Gaza crisis
Malta will officially recognize the State of Palestine next month, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced during a political event, calling the decision a moral responsibility in light of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Speaking at the event, where both domestic and international issues were addressed, Abela highlighted the worsening situation in Gaza and expressed deep concern over the indiscriminate Israeli bombardment that has killed nearly 54,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to Malta Today.
“We cannot close our eyes to this human tragedy that is getting worse every day,” Abela stated, referencing Israel’s military campaign that has devastated the enclave since October 2023.
He confirmed that Malta will formally recognize Palestine following a conference scheduled for June 20. The move will place Malta among a growing number of countries recognizing Palestinian statehood in the wake of international condemnation of Israel’s actions.
A Personal Tragedy That Struck a Nerve
Abela expressed particular anguish over the death of nine children belonging to Palestinian pediatrician Dr. Alaa Al-Najjar, whose home in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, was bombed by Israeli forces on Saturday. The strike critically injured her husband, also a doctor, and left only one child surviving from the family.
In an emotional gesture, Abela said Malta is prepared to welcome Dr. Alaa Al-Najjar and her family into the country as a show of solidarity and compassion.
Israel’s War on Gaza
Since the launch of its offensive in October 2023, Israel has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s estimated 2 million residents, triggering a severe hunger crisis, infrastructure collapse, and widespread civilian casualties.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) in November issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Malta’s decision to recognize Palestine comes amid mounting international pressure on governments to act decisively in the face of what human rights groups and legal bodies have described as atrocities against civilians.
