Malta joins France and UK in pledging recognition of Palestinian State
Malta Joins France and UK in Pledging Recognition of Palestinian State at UN General Assembly
VALLETTA / PARIS / LONDON — In a sweeping diplomatic shift ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, Malta has announced it will formally recognize the State of Palestine, thereby aligning itself with France and the United Kingdom in a growing European push for Palestinian statehood.
Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed today
Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed today that Malta will declare recognition during the UNGA session in September, citing its longstanding support for Palestinian self‑determination and the urgency of renewed efforts toward a two‑state solution.
France
President Emmanuel Macron previously announced that France intends to formally recognize Palestine in September, making it the first Western power on the UN Security Council to take such a step—setting the stage for broader European momentum.
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a major breakthrough in foreign policy on July 29, 2025: the UK will recognise Palestinian statehood in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive action to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, halts annexation plans in the West Bank, allows increased aid access, and commits to a lasting peace process—reinvigorating the pursuit of a two-state solution
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Starmer explicitly stated that Palestinian statehood is an “inalienable right”, framing the move as both moral and strategic amid mounting international outrage over famine and civilian suffering in Gaza
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He stressed that recognition would be contingent on Israel’s compliance: ceasefire, humanitarian access, rejection of annexation, and peace negotiations. The decision will be reassessed in September, and no external party will have veto over the UK’s move
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Israeli authorities condemned the announcement, calling it a “reward for Hamas” and warning it could undermine ceasefire efforts. Trump’s administration expressed disagreement with the timing and framing of the move.
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Regional Impact
This coordinated wave—following recognitions by Ireland, Norway, and Spain in 2024—marks a pivotal moment in EU and global diplomacy. With Malta now joining France and the UK, the domino effect may accelerate pressure on remaining hesitant EU nations such as Germany and Italy to clarify their positions.