Malta to recognize State of Palestine: prime minister

Malta will officially recognize the state of Palestine next month, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday.

Abela cited the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza for the moral urgency of this decision, saying that over 50,000 people have lost their lives.

"We cannot close our eyes to this human tragedy that is worsening by the day," Abela said, stressing the need for action rather than delay – in statements cited by news outlet “Malta Today”.

The decision will be formalized on June 20, during an international conference organized by the United Nations focusing on the two-state solution.

Abela reflected on a recent visit to a refugee camp in Jordan, where he met Palestinian children who had been flown to Malta to receive medical treatment.

His Majesty King Abdullah II met with Prime Minister Robert Abela in his visit to Jordan on May 19, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, according to the Royal Hashemite Court (RHC).