Malta will formally recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Tuesday.
The decision comes just hours after a similar declaration by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and follows France’s recent pledge to recognize Palestine ahead of the UN meeting. In a social media statement, Abela reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to lasting peace in the Middle East.
The Maltese government has faced mounting internal pressure in recent months to take a clear stance on Palestinian statehood. In mid-July, the right-wing opposition publicly called for immediate recognition.
The Mediterranean island nation, a member of the European Union, has a longstanding history of supporting Palestinian rights and endorsing a two-state solution.
Prime Minister Abela initially revealed plans to recognize Palestine in May, indicating the move would take place during a UN conference scheduled for June. However, the conference was later postponed.
Malta now joins a growing number of European nations backing Palestinian statehood. Ireland, Norway, and Spain formally recognized Palestine as an independent state in May 2024.
The international momentum reflects increasing frustration with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and growing support for diplomatic efforts to establish a sovereign Palestinian state.
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