Malta has formally aligned with 27 other countries in a powerful international rebuke of Israel’s actions in Gaza, endorsing a joint statement that calls for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and unrestricted humanitarian access.
Signed by Malta’s Foreign Minister along with counterparts from Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, the declaration was issued late Monday via the UK Foreign Office.
The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management also joined the call.
Malta, Greece, and Cyprus endorsed the letter concerning the situation in Gaza after its initial publication.
The original version received widespread international media attention, reporting 25 signatories. A revised document later confirmed the final number of endorsing nations had risen to 28, including the three Mediterranean countries.
Aid blockade and civilian deaths condemned
The signatories jointly condemned Israel’s ongoing blockade and restriction of aid into Gaza, describing the Israeli aid delivery mechanism as “dangerous” and a violation of international humanitarian law.
Highlighting the deaths of over 800 Palestinians while seeking food and water, the statement labelled the denial of humanitarian assistance as “unacceptable” and demanded that Israel lift all aid restrictions and allow the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to operate without obstruction.
The statement also criticised plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians into a so-called “humanitarian city,” asserting that permanent displacement constitutes a breach of international law. The proposed transfer site, reportedly to be constructed on the ruins of Rafah, was deemed “completely unacceptable.”
In addition to condemning Israeli actions, the statement criticised Hamas for its ongoing detention of hostages captured during the 7 October 2023 attacks.
The signatories called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of those still held, stating that a negotiated ceasefire is the most viable route to ending their suffering and that of their families.
Malta’s position
Malta’s participation in the declaration marks a significant development in its international positioning, especially as the country has not yet formally recognised the State of Palestine. Plans to do so were delayed in June following the postponement of a United Nations conference.
Despite this, the government has now taken a clearer stance on the conflict.
Momentum party chairperson Arnold Cassola praised Malta’s decision to sign the statement, describing it as evidence that “a shred of human decency still prevails in international politics.”
The full list of signatory countries includes Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Reference Link:- https://newsbook.com.mt/en/malta-joins-27-nations-condemning-israels-gaza-actions/