VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Palestinian flag was raised at the Palestinian Embassy in Malta on Monday evening during an emotional ceremony marking Malta’s official recognition of the State of Palestine.
The event followed Malta’s decision last month, alongside several other nations, to formally recognise Palestinian statehood during a United Nations Conference on the Two-State Solution. Other countries that confirmed their recognition in September included Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, New Zealand, and San Marino. Australia, Canada, Portugal, and the United Kingdom had already announced recognition the day before.
Speaking at the ceremony, Palestinian Ambassador to Malta Fadi Hanania expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who supported his nation’s long-standing quest for recognition. “This recognition will not heal all the wounds gripping Palestine,” Hanania said, “but it plants a seed of hope — for a future free of violence, famine, and oppression.”
Hanania became visibly emotional as he reflected on the suffering in his homeland, noting that “recognition will not calm the cries of orphans who lost their parents to Israel’s violence.” Many attendees were seen wiping away tears as he spoke.
Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela also addressed the gathering, describing the decision to recognise Palestine as a “difficult but necessary step.” He emphasised that formal recognition must now be followed by efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peace in the region. “Recognition is only the beginning,” Abela said. “The next step is securing permanent peace — and that is indeed achievable.” However, the prime minister faced some disapproval from the crowd when he added that he believes “Israel wants peace as well,” prompting audible boos from several attendees.
The ceremony concluded with the Palestinian flag rising slowly above the embassy grounds — a symbolic gesture marking a new chapter in Malta’s diplomatic relationship with Palestine, and one that many hope will bring the region closer to lasting peace. Suha Arafat, widow of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, was also present.
– photo Palestinian Embassy in Malta –
(ITALPRESS).
