Prime Minister Robert Abela referred to the continuing situation in Gaza as a humanitarian disaster during a parliamentary ministerial statement following the European Council conference on June 26. Speaking to MPs, Abela emphasized how growing unrest in the Middle East—particularly tensions between Israel and Iran—threatens both local and world security.
He said the council’s conversations highlighted the necessity of not losing sight of Gaza in the face of other geostrategic events. “It is no longer enough to merely condemn. The international community must act to alleviate the suffering,” he said, reiterating Malta’s commitment to a peace-oriented diplomatic strategy and calling “non-negotiable” respect for international humanitarian law. Abela said the EU must speak out to remain credible and relevant in the area.
While welcoming the administration’s attitude toward Gaza, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech criticized it for not following through on an earlier promise to formally recognize Palestine as a country. Grech said, alluding to a promise Abela had made earlier in the year, June had passed. Stating Malta should be a “positive force for peace,” Grech reiterated the Nationalist Party’s (PN) support for acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty.
PN MP Beppe Fenech Adami inquired whether Malta was under international pressure not to follow through with the acknowledgment.
In response, Abela stated French President Emmanuel Macron delayed the United Nations meeting when he planned to declare the recognition. He stated again that Malta would only recognize “when the proper conditions are in place.”
The PN subsequently issued a formal statement alleging the Prime Minister of a policy change and urging instant recognition of Palestine. The party maintained its stance on the issue, presenting it as a crucial test of Malta’s credibility as a peace advocate.
Also scheduled are EU Priorities, Ukraine, and Immigration.
Beyond the Middle East, Abela informed Parliament on other issues addressed at the European Council meeting, including economic competitiveness, the EU single market, and collaboration with third countries. According to Malta Vision 2050, Malta’s long-term plan fits with the EU’s objectives of increasing productivity and sustainable expansion.
Abela underlined the formation of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression on Ukraine, which he said was a major accomplishment made under Malta’s presidency of the Council of Europe. He reiterated Malta’s backing of diplomatic initiatives intended to establish a whole peace in Ukraine.
Echoing the government’s position, Grech said Malta supports Ukraine and emphasized its role in promoting global justice.
Migration was also debated; Abela highlighted the EU’s progress on new legal frameworks and underlined the necessity of greater collaboration with countries of origin and transit to regulate migration flows and guarantee returns of people not qualified for asylum.
Citing its immediate effect on Malta and questioning the results of any conversations Abela claimed to have had on the topic, Grech also voiced reservations regarding Libya.
