Open Letter: Petition

Demand for an Emergency Parliamentary Debate on Malta’s position and actions regarding the catastrophe in Palestine 

To the Government and Parliament of Malta
 
The ongoing catastrophic escalation of atrocities and violence in Palestine is of grave concern to all governments and citizens in our region. Parliaments in numerous other European democracies have held urgent and serious debates on these issues, resulting in several important parliamentary resolutions and actions (see for example, the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill 2023
(Bill 28 of 2023), currently before Parliament in the Republic of Ireland). Serious debate on these issues in the Parliament of Malta is long overdue. We call upon the Parliament of Malta to step up to its responsibilities, and to urgently debate concrete actions to be taken by Malta at this critical time.
     
More specifically, we urge Parliament to hold an emergency Parliamentary debate on urgent action on the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories, the brutal mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, recognition of the State of Palestine, and the escalation of hostilities in the Mediterranean region.

Our Demands:
We demand an Emergency Parliamentary Debate on urgent actions to be taken by Malta, specifically:

1.Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access: Demand an immediate end to hostilities and the blockade of Gaza, ensuring the protection of civilians and unfettered access to humanitarian aid. Prevent the passage of military supplies to Israel and strike off from Malta’s Ship Registry any sea vessel carrying arms or military grade fuel to Israel.

2.International Accountability: Urge the ICC and ICJ to thoroughly investigate and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the genocide in Gaza and the brutal mistreatment of prisoners and hostages; publicly endorse the efforts of the ICC and ICJ in this regard; to debate Malta’s joining the thirteen countries that to date have joined or declared their intention to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.

3.Urgent Humanitarian Support: Call for immediate international assistance to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the provision of medical supplies, food, and infrastructure support.

4. End to Illegal Occupation of Palestinian Territories: To call upon Israel to desist from illegal settlement and harassment of Palestinians on their own land, and to debate a bill to ensure that no Maltese assets are invested in any such undertaking.

5. To follow up Malta’s statement of 16 November 1988 acknowledging "the right of the Palestinian people to establish a sovereign state" by unequivocally recognising Palestine as a sovereign state.

We urge all Members of the Parliament of Malta to act with urgency to uphold the principles of justice and human rights. It is high time that Malta raises its voice to end these grave injustices and to take tangible measures towards a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people, and for the region.

Our Email: gustizzjaghallpalestina@gmail.com
Our Facebook: Gustizzja ghall-Palestina