Malta called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and an independent investigation into the bombing of a hospital in the war-torn territory. 

Addressing the UN’s Security Council, Foreign Minister Ian Borg also called on Hamas to release all hostages immediately and applauded the efforts made that led to the release of a few.  

He said that “the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people must not be confused with the terroristic group of Hamas”.  

Borg said Malta acknowledged that Israel has a right to defend itself but added that any military action must be conducted according to international law and be proportional.  

“We are gravely concerned with the humanitarian situation in Gaza, thousands of Palestinians have been killed, many of whom are civilians, including women and children. Scores more are likely still buried under rubble in levelled neighbourhoods,” he said. 

Malta, Borg added, condemned all attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers. 

The foreign minister called for an independent investigation into the bombing of Ahli Arab Hospital in central Gaza on October 18.

Then, a strike on the hospital killed over 200 people. Hamas and Israel blame each other for the attack.  

“Whoever is responsible must be held accountable,” Borg said.  

Borg said Malta was “deeply concerned” over Israel’s decision to cut off water, food, fuel and electricity supplies to Gaza.   

Ian Borg delivering his address. Photo: United Nations

“This action is resulting in dire humanitarian consequences for the civilian population; it will inevitably lead to a public health catastrophe due to compounding effects of mass displacement, inadequate sanitation and water-borne diseases.”

Humanitarian corridors and safe zones must be established in Gaza, he said.  

Borg said women and girls on both sides have been adversely affected by the war.  

He said the West Bank, a Palestinian territory, had also seen a “sharp increase” in killing and forced displacement of Palestinians through settler violence and hundreds of arrests.  

Influential parties must work to promote dialogue and de-escalation to promote peace. Terrorist groups should not be financed, he added.  

Borg said Malta will continue to work for a two-state resolution.