Ian Borg Calls On All Parties To Safeguard Gaza Ceasefire During EU Foreign Affairs Council
Malta has called on all parties involved in the Gaza conflict to uphold the ceasefire and to build upon the momentum created by the recently announced Gaza Peace Plan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, described the plan as an important opportunity to end the cycle of violence in the Middle East and refocus efforts towards a lasting two-state solution.
Speaking at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday, Borg commended the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye for their mediation in reaching the ceasefire agreement.
Borg stated, “This plan is an opportunity to exit the spiral of violence that has plagued the people of Israel and Palestine, and to re-orient events towards a political horizon that charts a clear and credible pathway towards Palestinian statehood and the two-state solution,”
While welcoming the progress achieved, the Deputy Prime Minister cautioned that the situation in Gaza remains extremely fragile. He called for the swift implementation of the first steps of the Peace Plan including the return of any remaining deceased hostages, the rapid and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and full access for humanitarian organisations, notably UNRWA.
Borg also urged the European Union to step up its engagement by verifying aid delivery on the ground, engaging constructively with Israel on the next stages of the plan, and supporting the Palestinian Authority in pursuing governance reforms that strengthen democratic legitimacy.
Borg added, “Security without governance breeds chaos; governance without humanitarian relief lacks legitimacy; and humanitarian aid without a secure, stable environment cannot be delivered effectively. These pillars must be advanced in parallel to prevent further cycles of violence,”
During the same meeting, Malta reiterated its warning that the continued Russian aggression against Ukraine poses a serious threat to global peace and security.
Borg expressed solidarity with Poland, Romania, and Estonia following Russia’s latest violations of their airspace.
He concluded by calling for intensified diplomatic efforts, “We must double down on diplomatic efforts toward achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire,”
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