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| Image: Malta |
Another European country is joining the list of states recognizing Palestine: Malta. In September, the Mediterranean island nation will officially announce its recognition during the UN General Assembly. The announcement came on July 29 from Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela.
This announcement comes at a time when international recognition of Palestine is gaining momentum. Earlier that day, the UK’s new Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a similar statement. France had also previously announced its intention to recognize Palestine.
Domestically, Malta's center-right opposition party had already pressured the government in mid-July to recognize Palestine as a sovereign state.
Due to its geographic proximity to the Middle East and its historic stance, Malta has long supported Palestinian rights and advocated for a peaceful two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Several other European countries, including Ireland, Norway, and Spain, have already recognized Palestine. Malta’s decision is expected to accelerate Palestine’s push for international recognition.