Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced that Malta will recognize Palestine as a state in September, underlining its commitment to peace in the Middle East.

Malta will recognize Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced. The decision comes amid domestic pressure and Malta's tradition of supporting the Palestinian cause. Abela said the recognition reflected a commitment to a lasting peace solution. Other countries such as France and the UK have announced similar intentions, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu criticized the decisions as support for terrorism.