Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola has criticised Prime Minister Robert Abela for postponing Malta's recognition of the State of Palestine, accusing him of enabling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "sweep away all Palestinians from Gaza" before any formal diplomatic move.

Cassola's statement followed comments made by Foreign Minister Ian Borg, who hinted that Malta and other countries might recognise Palestine as a State at a UN conference on 20 June 2025.

Cassola referred to a comment Borg had made during a radio show on Saturday. "Malta was originally expected to recognise the State of Palestine together with Spain, Ireland, and Norway in May 2024. However, at the last minute, Prime Minister Abela withdrew from the agreement. Now, Borg is suggesting a possible date of 20 June," Momentum said.

"This is perfect timing. Netanyahu, who has been indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes, will now have four weeks to sweep away all Palestinians from Gaza. And once he has turned it into a wasteland and occupied it, Abela and others will recognise the State of Palestine," Cassola said.

He said that this is shameful behaviour on the part of political leaders, who, he said, are giving Netanyahu time, "who will then attempt to negotiate on the basis of whoever is in, stays in, and whoever's out, stays out."

"Malta doesn't need political leaders whose actions are driven solely by cheap legalisms. We desperately need ethical behaviour in politics," Cassola said.