Malta condemned unequivocally the action taken by the terrorist group Hamas and while acknowledging the right of Israel to defend itself within the parameters of international law, it is important that the terrorist group is not put in the same boat as the Palestinians in Gaza, Prime Minister Robert Abela said Tuesday.

Abela was speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the European Council, which took place virtually, to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

Malta’s message continues to be in favour of respect towards international law by all those involved and a just and comprehensive road towards peace, which can only be achieved via a two State solution, Abela said.

He added that the European Union must focus on five important points. The hostages held by Hamas in Gaza must be released, while the escalation of the conflict in other areas of the Middle East must be brought under control.

He said that humanitarian aid must be given to those who needed it, and it is crucial that organisations that want to provide assistance must have the financial resources to do so.

The EU must also intensify its efforts to improve its internal security in the wake of the developments in the Middle East. He also pointed out that such a volatile situation risks leading to a more difficult challenge with regard to migration.