Malta has officially recognised the state of Palestine.

Prime Minister Robert Abela was speaking at the United Nations Conference on the Two-State Solution which took place in New York.

Abela, in his speech, stated, "clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta is proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statehood. We do so as a demonstration of our concrete commitment to a genuine and peaceful two-state solution as the only solution that will secure the futures of both peoples. Malta is equally unequivocal in our support for the right of Israel to exist alongside a democratic Palestinian state."

The Maltese Government said that this decision aligns Malta with the growing number of nations affirming Palestinian statehood as a cornerstone for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. 

Malta has consistently condemned the terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 by Hamas, and has reiterated its call for the unconditional release of all hostages, alongside its urgent appeal for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.  These were points that Abela also mentioned during his speech. 

"In making this commitment, I am acutely aware of how events have unfolded since the appalling Hamas attacks of October 7th. They were the despicable work of a terrorist organisation, which must have no place in the emerging Palestinian State. Since then, Malta has been unwavering in calling for the unconditional release of all the remaining hostages. No ifs, no buts."

"The hostages must come home. And come home now. Malta once again adds its voice to those calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The fighting must stop now!", Abela said.  

Addressing opinions that recognising the State of Palestine somehow amounts to a 'victory' for Hamas, he said it does not. He said that a two-state solution is the worst possible outcome for Hamas, and that it is not something Hamas want to see.  He said that Hamas want to see Israel wiped off the map.  "Malta and our allies want to see Hamas wiped out."

"We must never forget that Hamas openly - and violently - opposed all the previous efforts at peace. If Palestinians can see a peaceful and realistic road to nationhood, and self-determination, it fatally undermines the siren cries of Hamas. It offers the only hope that there is an alternative to conflict."

Abela said that with the right to recognition come huge responsibilities for the Palestinian leadership, and that there must be absolute adherence from the outset to non-violence and mutual recognition. He said that Hamas must have no role - in any shape or form - in the future Government of Palestine, and said that Malta supports the Palestinian Authority's 'One State, One Government, One Law, One Gun' approach, and the need for urgent free and fair elections.

Regarding Israel, the Prime Minister said that the attacks on civilians and infrastructure must stop immediately, that "illegal settler encroachment and accompanying violence in the West Bank must stop immediately. And unhindered aid, under genuine international auspices, must be allowed to flow immediately."

He said that starvation is being suffered in Gaza, and the many deaths of hungry civilians trying to access the pitiful trickle of food aid being allowed in, cannot keep going on.

Other countries who also confirmed the recognition of Palestinian statehood included Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, New Zealand and San Marino.  Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom all recognised the Palestinian state on Sunday.

Prime Minister, Robert Abela, is currently in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where more than 190 world leaders, including Heads of State and Government, are gathered to discuss global peace, human rights, and sustainable development under the theme set by UN Secretary-General, António Guterres : 'Better United Together: 80 Years and Beyond for Peace, Human Rights and Development'.