Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that Malta will formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This move aligns Malta with recent similar statements from leaders in Britain and France, and reflects the country's longstanding support for a two-state solution in the Middle East. The decision comes amid increased domestic pressure, including calls from the opposition for immediate recognition. While several countries have recognized Palestinian statehood in recent years, such gestures have so far been largely symbolic and have not led to significant diplomatic changes.