Malta's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chris Fearne, met with the Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Fadi Hanania, at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Valletta, Malta, shared through a statement that Minister Fearne reaffirmed Malta's support to the people of Palestine, in accordance with international resolutions, to implement a two-state solution for stability within the region.

During this discussion, Fearne observed how Malta joined the leaders' statement calling upon Israel to retract its E1 West Bank settlement plan immediately, as well as end its expansion of settlements. The Embassy mentioned how Fearne committed Malta to standing strongly against "the illegal Israeli settlements" and that he expressed support towards settlements trade restrictions.

Minister Fearne said that Malta will continue to offer aid the Palestinian health sector, humanitarian organisations, and explore educational opportunities to assist Palestinian youth.

Ambassador Hanania briefed Minister Fearne on the latest developments and "dangerous escalation" on the ground. Hanania thanked Fearne for expressing Malta's position in joining the leaders' statement regarding the E1 settlement plan and spoke about the "dangerous escalation" being undertaken on the ground in Palestine.

Hanania mentioned how the Israeli occupation is escalating the situation via attacks and violence against Palestinians and their property, under the protection of Israeli forces and colonial settlement expansion, land seizures, and the aforementioned E1 settlement plan. The Embassy noted that the E1 colonial settlement project aims to undermine the territorial contiguity of the State of Palestine, which would resultantly isolate Jerusalem away from Palestinian cities and communities.

The Palestinian Ambassador stressed the importance for international partners to intensify their efforts in putting forward a roadmap for implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement, ensure the entry and sustained delivery of humanitarian and relief aid sufficient to meet urgent needs, secure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and launch the recovery and reconstruction process.

Hanania urged Malta to continue standing by justice and humanity by defending Palestinian rights towards freedom and independence, the Embassy concluded.