The Malta Independent 12 November 2024, Tuesday
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‘While Israel has the right to defend itself, the response must be proportional’ – Ian Borg

Andrea Caruana Monday, 7 October 2024, 18:14 Last update: about 2 months ago

While Israel has the right to the self-defence of its sovereignty and its people, it must still abide to international law, Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg said as he called on the Israeli government to refrain from any action that could add to the Palestinian people’s suffering.

Borg addressed Parliament on Monday and said that whilst Israel has the right to defend itself, and safeguard its sovereignty, its response must be proportional as dictated by international law and humanitarian aid must reach wherever it is needed, something Malta ensured during its mandate at the UN Security Council.

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He aired his deep concerns about Gaza its ever-worsening situation which requires the Israeli government to cease from any action that can add to the suffering of Palestinian citizens.

Borg said that there should be no unilateral decision that will challenge the historical status quo of sacred sites in Israel nor any decision that can undermine the potential for a two-state solution. He added that the rate of illegal settlers and settlements are “alarming” and reminded that the international laws must be respected with no right for encroachment.

Borg said that all hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally and urged the immediate ceasefire between Israel, Gaza and Hezbollah. He said that the end of hostilities must be ensured and as well as the return of displaced communities.

Borg said that the international community, joined as the EU and UN, must work together as an international community towards peace, dialogue, and violence to end in this region and peace to finally reign over violence. He pointed out that as things stand, the Middle East is closer than ever before to a regional war and must be stopped immediately.

Borg said that the “humanitarian collapse” that is striking the Middle East has been recognized with Lebanon is receiving hit after hit, leaving civilians dead and destroying infrastructure following its own previous internal turmoil. He said that Lebanon requires support to realize its own institution to avoid foreign interference and added that the Lebanese armed forces need every help to safeguard their country’s security and sovereignty.

He pointed out however, in light of recent events, that Iran is also expected to honour it international obligations with Malta continuing to urge all parties to be cautious with their reactions. 

Borg said that the Maltese Consular Directorate is in contact with 10 Maltese citizens who live in Lebanon who will be evacuated from Lebanon should they so request with the collaboration of other countries

Borg concluded that as a country we remain consistent in the belief that international law, including humanitarian rights, is upheld and added that, “Malta will remain to be a voice of reason even for this region that is so close to us. I assure the parliament that Malta will keep on working for peace. ”

On his part, PN MP Beppe Fenech Adami said that his concern is that the vengeful violence will be new norm and urged for a long-term solution to the issue. As the PN, he appealed for a ceasefire and immediate, unconditional release of hostages before a two-state solution. He added that the government must move from rhetoric to fact and, like the rest of the international community, finally recognize the Palestinian state.

PN MP Beppe Fenech Adami commemorated the “greatest massacre of Jews since the Sho’ah” and the shocking images the “cold-blooded” Hamas attack brought with it, for this reason he expressed the PN’s full condemnation of the “unjustifiable” attack of the 7th October 2023. He pointed out the immense casualties of civilian men, women and children and stressed that “Palestinians are not Hamas and Hamas is not Palestine”.

Fenech Adami reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself and exist but the right to defend yourself does not justify the killing of innocent civilians and breaches international law. He went on to draw attention to Lebanon’s suffering at the hands of Hezbollah.

Fenech Adami condemned the Iranian attack on Israel, Israel’s attacks on Lebanon which saw a “terrifying escalation” and condemned “without reservation” Hezbollah and the Iranian Regime. He added that Israel still has not right to attack civilians who he is certain that also wish for peace.

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