The bloodbath that has gripped the Middle East in the past months has shocked the world. We have seen heartbreaking scenes that we had collectively hoped we would never see again in our lifetimes. Yet, sadly, the human tragedy that unfolded in the beleaguered land, rages on.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine did not start with the condemnable terrorist attacks of 8th October 2023. The tensions can be traced back to the immediate post-Second World War. There were times when peace loomed closer, and it looked as though the two ancient peoples had found a way to coexist. Yet from time to time, tensions escalated, and scores of innocent lives were lost.
Unfortunately, this is one of those cases where history helps us very little to draw conclusions to the current state of affairs. We can argue till morning about who threw the first stone, or who retaliated disproportionately. So many stones have been thrown and so many lives have been lost, that in my view, both sides have a very considerable responsibility to shoulder.
In fact, I am not interested in arguing about blame or virtue, I am only saddened about the unbelievable loss of life that is taking place in front of our eyes, and how we appear to be powerless to do something about it.
I am not the first to say this, and I am sure I won't be the last, but what is happening in Gaza at the moment is nothing short of genocide. The wanton attacks on hospitals, and other humanitarian instruments is beyond the pale. The blocking off, of basic assistance, electricity, food and supplies, to the families in the Gaza strip, denying them of any basic dignity is an atrocity which we hoped we would never see again.
It is time that the world stands up and speaks out clearly and loudly, and in no uncertain terms against the atrocities taking place in Gaza today. It is time to take decisive and concrete action to condemn the tragedies unfolding there.
I was pleased to learn that the Prime Minister intends to make Malta one of the first EU countries to officially recognise Palestine as a state. Malta has historically maintained excellent diplomatic relations with the Palestinian authorities and has supported the two-state solution since 1988. However, formal recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state has never occurred. Malta hosts a Palestinian ambassador and has a representative office in Ramallah, reflecting strong bilateral relation.
In this light, some might say it's a matter of semantics, yet in the diplomatic world, these semantics are extremely important and go far beyond their symbolisms.
I am only puzzled by the fact that the Prime Minister appears to be waiting for some right time to actually enact the process. The reason remains shrouded in mystery.
What sense does it make it prolong the process further, when the head of the Maltese government has made it clear that his administration intends to recognise the state of Palestine? If we truly believe in this act, and that it can result in some good for the people of Palestine, then why wait?
The death count of men, women and children in the Gaza strip continues to climb, and definitely there is no time to waste. I urge the Prime Minister to do the right thing and officially recognise the state of Palestine at once and send a bold message to the international community that the Maltese people stand with the families of Gaza and against genocide.
Alexander Mangion is the Deputy Mayor of Attard