Abela at UN General Assembly as Malta prepares to recognise Palestinian state
Around 10 nations are expected to recognise a Palestinian state in the coming days
Prime Minister Robert Abela is in New York for the General Assembly of the United Nations, where Malta is due to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
“In a few hours I will be in New York where I will be signing the historic document where we will recognise Palestine as a state,” Abela said in a recorded interview issued on Sunday morning.
The Office of the Prime Minister said recognition is part of the prime minister's consistent political commitment towards a two-state solution".
Malta's policy is also to promote peace in the Middle East, while Malta continues to condemn the October 7 attack by the Hamas terrorist group, it added. Malta is also continuing to appeal for the unconditional release of hostages held by the group.
The United Kingdom and Portugal are expected to be the first countries to recognise Palestine in statements later on Sunday, international media reported.
A growing number of longtime Israeli allies have shifted positions in recent months as Israel has intensified its Gaza offensive, triggered by Hamas's unprecedented 2023 attack. Around 10 nations are expected to recognise a Palestinian state in the coming days, including France and Canada.
Israel has vehemently opposed the moves and has reportedly threatened to annex the West Bank in response.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told AFP on Friday that the world "should not feel intimidated by the risk of retaliation" from Israel.