On Monday, Malta, together with a number of other states including France, took the step to recognise the State of Palestine.

The day before, a few other countries, including the UK, had taken the same step.

Many have said that the two-state-solution is the best path to peace in the Middle East. It is a dream which one hopes will one day come to fruition, but sadly seems far away from being achieved right now. In order for there to be a two-state-solution, then Palestine must be recognised as a state. A number of countries now having made such a declaration is a step towards that goal.

The brutal and atrocious October 7 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas have been condemned worldwide. It was a horrific attack on innocents. The terrorist action sparked the current conflict. There is no doubt that Hamas must be dismantled.

Israel, in its retaliation however, went beyond targeting Hamas. So many innocent lives... men, women and children, were lost because of Israel's bombings. It must also answer for its actions.

A peaceful solution to the conflict seems so very far away.

Prime Minister Robert Abela, speaking at the UN, said that Hamas must have no role in the emerging Palestinian State. "Malta has been unwavering in calling for the unconditional release of all the remaining hostages. No ifs, no buts. The hostages must come home. Malta once again adds its voice to those calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The fighting must stop now!", Abela said.

"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 added.

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. And unhindered aid, under genuine international auspices, must be allowed to flow immediately."

The issue between Israel and the Palestinians is not an easy one to solve. The distrust between the two peoples was present long before the current conflict. The war will further deepen the hatred between the two peoples, making it much harder for them to live in peace together. But that does not mean that peace is impossible. All efforts must be made to achieve a peaceful solution.

The first step must be for a permanent ceasefire to be brought about. The war must stop.

After that, the rebuilding of Gaza, which has been devastated, must start. For this to happen, the international community must be willing to help.

The Palestinians must also cast Hamas out. Israel will have to continue to face the international courts.