What is taking place in Gaza is a humanitarian tragedy, Prime Minister Robert Abela said as he delivered a ministerial statement in parliament on the European Council meeting of 26 June.

The Prime Minister said that one of the primary topics discussed during the European Council meeting was the situation in the Middle East, as he spoke of how tensions between Israel and Iran had continued to escalate during the days prior to the meeting despite a brief lull in hostilities. Abela said that instability in the Middle East continues to present increased volatility and a threat not only to the region itself, but also to European and international security. He added that diplomacy and dialogue have never been more relevant than today.

The main message of the discussion regarding the Middle East, Abela said, is that against the backdrop of all the developments and tensions in the region, what is happening in Gaza cannot be forgotten. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as a shocking one that is constantly deteriorating. He commented that it is no longer enough to condemn the tragedy, and added that the international community needs to do more to stop the suffering. "Respect for international humanitarian law is non-negotiable," he stated, as he continued that the European Union cannot remain silent if it wants to remain credible and relevant in the region. He added that every action around the situation must find itself aligned in the interest of lasting peace in the region.

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech stated that the Nationalist Party welcomes the call for the cessation of the conflict in Gaza. Continuing, Grech said that the government still has not recognised Palestine as a state, despite the Prime Minister having expressed his intention to do so in June. "June came and went," Grech remarked, as he then questioned what is stopping Prime Minister Abela from recognising Palestine as a state.

Grech said that the PN is committed to peace, prosperity, and democracy, as he added that Malta should lead and be an agent of positive change. "Despite the Prime Minister's promise that he would recognise Palestine as a state in June, the month has come and gone... The PN truly believes that the war in the Middle East must cease, and we call for the government to recognise the Palestinian state," Grech said.

PN MP Beppe Fenech Adami asked the Prime Minister to ascertain whether the government is under foreign pressure not to recognise Palestine as a state.

Responding to the Opposition, Prime Minister Abela said that the United Nations conference which was intended to take place in June, where he had indicated that he would recognise Palestine as a state, was postponed by French President Emmanuel Macron. Abela continued that the government will recognise Palestine as a state when the conference is held and when the correct circumstances are in place.

Speaking about other topics which were discussed during the European Council meeting, Abela said that a discussion took place regarding the economic priorities of the EU.

On this matter, Abela said that in order for the EU to strengthen its position, it must start by ensuring that the single market has the people at its centre and that it works for all citizens. He said that this means boosting productivity, ensuring a level playing field in essential services and goods, as well as addressing gaps in things such as transport connectivity. He added that the EU must also seek to deepen economic ties with third countries in order to promote greater prosperity, growth, and job creation.

With that said, the Prime Minister added that strengthening competitiveness remains crucial, particularly against a backdrop of rapid environmental and digital transitions. He remarked that the economic direction the government is giving through Malta Vision 2050 is a clear example of how businesses must be incentivised to be catalysts of change.

Another topic discussed during the European Council meeting was that of Ukraine, Abela stated, as he added that the European Council had the chance to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy via video-conference.

Abela said that the message remains consistent in favour of further diplomatic efforts together with international partners with the aim of achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace. He also spoke of how an agreement was signed between Ukraine and the Council of Europe under the Maltese Presidency, where a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine was established.

Grech stated that the PN expresses solidarity with Ukraine and remains committed in favour of peace and security, as he added that Malta must be a strong voice for justice.

The Prime Minister said that the meeting also discussed immigration, as he said that the European Council took into account the positive developments with the initiatives presented by the European Commission. He added that the urgency of accelerating discussions on these laws was emphasised, as he further spoke of how cooperation with countries of origin and transit remains essential if the issue is to be addressed at its roots and ensure the effective return of those who do not deserve asylum.

PN statement

The PN said that there has been "another U-turn from Robert Abela on Palestine."

"After stating in his last Ministerial Statement in Parliament that Malta would recognise the Palestinian State in June, Robert Abela has now - in another Ministerial Statement, with June having passed - made another U-turn and said he is no longer certain whether Malta will recognise the Palestinian State."

"Robert Abela is now saying that he will wait for an international conference - which still has to take place - on the future of Palestine before taking a position," the PN said.

"Therefore, either Robert Abela was lying when he said he would recognise the Palestinian State, or he has made yet another U-turn. The position of the PN, on the other hand, has always been clear: the Maltese Government should recognise the Palestinian State, and the way forward must be a lasting peace based on mutual existence and respect between the State of Israel and a Palestinian State."

"In his response to the Ministerial Statement made by the Prime Minister this evening in Parliament, regarding the latest EU Summit, the Leader of the Opposition and of the Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech reiterated the importance of commitment to peace and security, with Malta being a voice for what is right - including in Ukraine and Libya," the PN said.

"On the case of Libya, the PN Leader recalled how instability in that country directly impacts Malta due to the proximity between the two countries and therefore questioned what results have come out of the meetings Robert Abela claims to have held regarding Libya," the PN statement concluded.