VALLETTA, July 25, 2026 (WAFA) — A coalition of 18 Maltese organisations has sent a letter to Malta's Foreign Minister Chris Fearne, calling on the government to support a proposed European Union measure restricting trade linked to illegal Israeli colonies and to introduce domestic legislation mirroring such a ban.

Palestine's Ambassador to Malta, Fadi Hanania, said Malta is obliged to support the initiative following its official recognition of the State of Palestine and its position that Israeli colonies are illegal, stressing that this recognition must be translated into concrete measures.

The letter follows Malta’s decision not to support a proposal on the issue, after an EU initiative to impose trade restrictions on Israeli colonies failed to secure the required majority during a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Malta justified its position by saying it favours reaching a unanimous decision on foreign policy matters of this nature, while insisting that it would not obstruct the imposition of restrictions if other countries pursued such measures.

The signatories to the letter include human rights, religious and humanitarian organisations, cultural bodies, and the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta.

M.N