Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Malta will officially recognize the State of Palestine, citing an unfolding "human tragedy" and bringing a 45-year national debate on the matter to a close. However, the formal recognition will take place next month, following a conference scheduled for June 20.

"We cannot close our eyes to this human tragedy that is getting worse every day," Abela said, referring to the ongoing war on Gaza, where nearly 54,000 people, mostly children and women, have reportedly lost their lives.

The announcement was made during a political event on Sunday, where Abela addressed both local and international issues, with a strong focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He shared his reflections from a recent visit to Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, where he met children brought to Malta for medical treatment.

Recognition of Palestine a moral obligation

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Abela described the recognition of Palestine as a moral obligation, driven by the escalating violence and suffering in the region. He also extended Malta’s welcome to Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a paediatrician from southern Gaza, who lost nine of her ten children in an airstrike and whose husband was seriously injured while she continued treating patients.

A little too late?

Malta's Foreign Minister Ian Borg also hinted at recognizing Palestine, while the chairperson of Momentum (centre-left political party in Malta), Arnold Cassola, criticised the delay, urging Malta and its allies to act sooner.

“(Israel prime minister) Netanyahu, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for War crimes, will thus be given 4 weeks' time to sweep away all Palestinians from Gaza," Cassola said, adding that "after that, Abela and others plan to recognise Palestine? That’s too late.”

Ethical approach over 'cheap legalism'

Cassola accused the Maltese government of enabling further destruction by hesitating on recognition, calling it a "shameful behaviour on part of our political leaders" and urging an ethical approach over what he described as "cheap legalism."

"Ethical behaviour in politics is desperately needed," Cassola remarked, arguing that Malta has already waited too long to take this step, noting that it was initially expected to recognize Palestine alongside Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024.

He concluded by calling for political leadership guided by principle, saying that Malta needs leaders who act ethically, particularly when human lives are at stake.