Malta will declare recognition of a Palestinian state during the general assembly of the United Nations in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Tuesday evening.
He made the announcement hours after a similar declaration by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and days after France also announced its recognition plans.
“Our position reflects our commitment to efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East,” Abela said in a Facebook post shortly after a protest against the situation in Gaza was held in Valletta.
The Malta government has been under increasing pressure to recognise a Palestinian state. Those who have publicly urged the government to take the step included MEP Alex Agius Saliba in May and, last week, former Minister Edward Zammit Lewis.
The Opposition has also called for immediate recognition.
Abela first announced plans for recognition of a Palestinian state in May, saying it would do so at a United Nations conference in June, but the conference was later postponed.
Ireland, Norway and Spain recognised Palestine as a state in May.