Presented below is the full speech delivered by Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abel
Excellencies, dear friends,
Let me begin by stating clearly and unequivocally that the Republic of Malta is proud to confirm our official recognition of Palestinian statethood.
We do so as a demonstration of our concrete commitment to a genuine and peaceful two-state solution as the only solution that will secure the future of both peoples. Malta is equally unequivocal in its support for the right of Israel to exist alongside a democratic Palestinian state.
In making this commitment, I am acutely aware of how events have unfolded since the appalling Hamas attacks of October the 7th. They were the despicable work of a terrorist organization which must have no place in the emerging Palestinian state. Since then, Malta has been unwavering in calling for the unconditional release of all the remaining hostages. No ifs, no buts. The hostages must come home now.
Malta adds once again its voice to those demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The fighting must stop now.
I am also aware of the opinion that recognizing the state of Palestine somehow amounts to a victory for Hamas. A two-state solution, however, is the worst possible outcome for Hamas. It is not what they want to see. They want to see Israel wiped off the map. Malta and our allies want to see Hamas wiped out.
We must never forget that Hamas openly and violently opposed all the previous efforts at peace. If Palestinians can see a peaceful and realistic road to nationhood and self-determination, it fatally undermines deciding cries of Hamas. It offers the only hope that there is an alternative to conflict.
I ask what is the other alternative? What is the future that the hot heads on both sides envisage? A conflict without end. Israel under constant attack. A region mired in instability. That is an outcome nobody should want.
Instead, with the right to recognition come huge responsibilities for the Palestinian leadership. There must be absolute adherence from the outset to nonviolence and mutual recognition. Hamas must have no role in any shape or form in the future government of Palestine. Malta supports the Palestinians authority, one state, one government, one law, one gun approach and the need for urgent, free and fair elections.
Equally, there are urgent responsibilities for the Israeli government. The attacks on civilians and infrastructure must stop immediately. The illegal settler encroachment and accompanying violence in the West Bank must also stop immediately. And unhindered aid under genuine international auspices must be allowed to flow immediately.
Starvation is being suffered in Gaza and the deaths of hungry civilians trying to access the pitiful trickle of food aid being allowed in cannot be allowed to go on.
I am not ashamed to admit that I cried after recently visiting the young children we brought over to Malta from Gaza to give them the best medical care our island has to offer and the required prosthesis.
These innocent children have had their limbs and the best part of their life stolen away from them. They have also lost their parents and they have been caused irreparable harm. But we will not allow their hope for a better future to be stolen away from them and we will protect them. Ibraim, I promised you that and we will stick to our word.
What is happening is morally and legally very wrong and we have a duty on all of us to act. We know that the path to a functioning free and fair two-state solution is a long and also hard one. We know the dangers that lie along that path. But we also know the greater dangers that that arise from saying nothing can be done that the dream has died.
We cannot and we will not remain silent or complacent. The depth of the current tragedy ......(The speaker's mike cutoff so this is all I was able to get)
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