Malta announces it will formally recognise Palestinian state in UN assembly

So the prime minister's office, Robert Abel, announced this morning, following the example of other countries taking the same step. The decision comes after Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised the Palestinian state yesterday, a move intended to promote a two-state solution to end the war in Gaza.

Malaysian Prime Minister Robert Abela announced for the first time plans to recognise a Palestinian state in May, but the UN meeting was postponed later. Malta has long supported efforts for a solution to two states, while simultaneously maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel.

Palestinian former Freedom's wife, Yasser Arafat, even lived on the island for several years.

Late last night, in a Facebook post, Abele welcomed the handover of a shipment of flour offered by Malta to Gaza on the eve of recognising the Palestinian state. He said recognition of the Palestinian state was historic and that Malta remains committed to achieving peace in the region. /Periscope/