Palestine and Israel can live together in peace as part of a two-state solution, Prime Minister Robert Abela said while delivering a ministerial statement in parliament on Tuesday, which took place two years after the October 7th attacks enacted by Hamas.
Prime Minister Abela spoke of the United Nations General Assembly which took place in New York in September, during which Malta, alongside a number of other nations, formally recognised the State of Palestine, which Abela said was an important occasion for Malta.
Abela said that although Malta is the smallest member state of the European Union, it has remained consistent and spoken strongly on the matter. He continued that he was proud to have the privilege to recognise Palestine in the name of Malta. He spoke of the suffering endured by the people of Palestine and the humanitarian crisis ongoing in Gaza.
He said that there needs to be a solution which honours the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people, but which does not involve Hamas. He said that it is unacceptable that Hamas wants to harm Israel, and added that Hamas does not have the interest of the Palestinian people at heart.
Abela said that Malta wants Palestine to benefit from stability, as he remarked that stability is the key to success. He continued that Malta has always pushed for peace, and has never had double standards or taken different positions.
The Prime Minister spoke of how he visited the Palestinian Embassy and met with children that had been brought to Malta from Palestine in order to receive medical support, and said that Malta truly wants to see a permanent cessation of the fighting in Gaza, as he added that it wants the same for Ukraine as well. "There cannot simply be a temporary cessation and then a repeat of the situation, as that would only mean more deaths," he stated.
Abela said that he also met with families of the hostages who were taken by Hamas, as he spoke of the suffering endured by both the Israelis and the Palestinians, who he said both want peace, "as peace is the only thing that can stop that pain and suffering".
He said that the decision to recognise Palestine was not an easy one, but commented that the people of Malta clearly wanted that step to be taken, and so the people's wishes were enacted.
The Prime Minister also said that Malta's international priorities include continuing to work towards a long-lasting peace which guarantees the sovereignty of Ukraine.
Speaking after Abela, Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg said that the PN wants the fighting in Gaza to cease, and added that the party supports a two-state solution where both Palestine and Israel can live in peace and security. He said that Hamas is a terrorist organisation which does not represent the Palestinian people.
Borg said that the PN agrees with the recognition of Palestine, and also spoke of the PN's support for Ukraine. He said that the party agrees that the recognition of Palestine is not a reward for violence, but rather a recognition of the concrete path for a solution.
The PN Leader continued that the PN calls for the immediate and permanent cessation of fighting in Gaza, as well as for the release of the hostages.
Recognition of the Palestinian State is not a reward for violence, but a concrete step towards a solution - PN
In a statement later, the PN said that "on the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel - attacks that left more than a thousand innocent people dead and many others taken hostage - the PN condemns these barbaric acts.
The PN recalled that Hamas is a terrorist organisation that does not represent the Palestinian people and therefore calls for the immediate release of all hostages.
The PN also reiterates its support for an immediate ceasefire and for a two-state solution - two peoples living side by side in peace and security, based on the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and justice.
In this context, the PN views the recognition of the Palestinian State not as a reward for violence, but as a concrete step towards a sustainable and lasting solution that can lead to genuine peace.
The PN also regards the Copenhagen meeting as a very important moment for Europe. "At a time of threats, wars, and global instability, Europe showed direction and courage. The PN believes that the decisions taken there represent a step forward towards a safer, more united, and more resilient Europe.For Malta, this means strengthening our cyber and maritime security, participating in European cooperation and defence mechanisms, and ensuring that our public finances remain transparent and credible."
The PN praised the efforts currently being made by Maltese diplomats and all those who truly believe in peace, and believes that Malta should serve as a bridge for dialogue, but said this can only be achieved if the country remains credible, consistent, and guided by principle, not political calculation.
"For this reason, the PN will continue to maintain a position of full support for all efforts in favour of peace, the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people, and the security of the Israeli people.Ż