Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535753
3 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 MAY 2025 ANALYSIS Israel, will Malta lead or follow? engage with both sides. But while Malta played an in- strumental role in the adoption of the resolution, this has made little difference on the ground. Malta may also have been in- fluenced by its assumption of the OSCE Chairmanship, which places it under a sensitive diplo- matic spotlight. Another possible reason for Malta's caution is the fear of of- fending the US, particularly fol- lowing the potential return of a vengeful and unstable Donald Trump. Malta's pending application to join the Organisation for Eco- nomic Co-operation and De- velopment (OECD)—where decisions impacting Malta's tax regime are taken—could be an- other reason. Israel, like any other member of this forum, can veto Malta's membership. A crisis of confidence Ultimately, Malta's timidity appears rooted in a loss of con- fidence and an unwillingness to rock the boat—an unintended consequence of EU membership, which gave us a seat at the table, but one that means little if we have nothing to say. For the past two years, Malta has chosen to play it safe—keep- ing a measured distance from Europe's most outspoken critics of Israel while quietly supporting most of their initiatives. In doing so, Malta may have gained credibility within west- ern and European institutions traditionally supportive of Israel. But in the process, Malta may al- so have lost the soft power that comes with taking a principled stand. This approach also reflects a lack of ambition and a dimin- ished will to confront global in- justices—a sentiment that was much stronger among Malta's first post-colonial leaders. But the change of mood even among Israel's closest allies in Europe now makes Abela's cau- tion on recognising the state of Palestine even harder to fathom. Even his own deputy leader, Alex Agius Saliba, is pressing him to take this step now. The question remains: What is Abela waiting for before heeding the advice of his own deputy lead- er? Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, Abela hinted that Malta is waiting for major inter- national developments in June— suggesting that once again, Malta will follow the steps taken by ma- jor players like France instead of taking the lead. Malta's diplomatic initiatives on Gaza October 2023: Malta voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution on, calling for an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce in Gaza, including protection of civilians and rescinding Israel's evacuation order in northern Gaza. November 2023: Malta sponsored and helped pass UN Security Council Resolution 2712, which called for extended humanitarian pauses in Gaza to allow aid delivery and the release of hostages; this was the first Security Council resolution on the conflict after several failed attempts. December 2023: Malta's government reaffirmed its readiness to recognise the State of Palestine, contingent upon what it deemed the "right circumstances." Malta co-signed a joint letter with Spain, Ireland, and Belgium urging the European Council to call for a lasting humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and convene an international peace conference. March 2024: Malta played a key role in adopting UN Security Council Resolution 2728, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan and the release of all hostages; notably, this was the first joint motion by non-permanent members on a geographic conflict. Prime Minister Robert Abela joined leaders from Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain in a statement calling for an immediate ceasefire, unconditional release of hostages, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and expressed readiness to recognise Palestine when it "positively contributes to peace". May 2025: Malta joined six other European countries in signing a joint declaration calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East and humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. Malta backed a Dutch proposal to review the EU-Israel trade agreement, citing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and violations of international law. The focus is on reassessing Article 2 of the agreement, which conditions trade on respect for human rights and democratic principles.