A new mural on the Sliema coastline has drawn the attention of many, offering a poignant message about the suffering of Palestinian children. The work, created by local artist James Micallef Grimaud—known for his murals at the 2B Gallery in St. Julian’s and the Giraffe Crane at Valletta’s dry docks—depicts a powerful and unsettling scene.

The mural shows a mountain of teddy bears, each marked with bullet holes and bleeding, with two figures standing beside the Palestinian flag. The backdrop reveals Middle Eastern buildings engulfed in flames, capturing the devastation of war.

In a post on Facebook, Micallef Grimaud shared the message behind the piece, stating, “The mural portrays the suffering of helpless Palestinian children, victims of war and the loss of their innocence.” The blood from the teddy bears seems to drip down onto the rocks below, amplifying the sadness and urgency of the artist’s message.

This thought-provoking mural is a stark reminder of the deep impact conflict has on children, stripping away their innocence and leaving them to face the horrors of war.

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The Ta’ Qali National Park has embraced the Christmas spirit, with festive lights and decorations transforming its garden into a magical winter wonderland.

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia shared photos of the new decorations, writing: ‘We look forward of greeting Maltese and Gozitan families in this beautiful atmosphere for the festive season.’

Photos shared by Jason Micallef, head of the Ta’ Qali National Park Division, showcase the garden’s trees beautifully lit up, enhancing the park’s festive atmosphere.

Micallef expressed his delight at the transformation, stating, “The effect and atmosphere we created at the garden is truly magical.”

The holiday decorations at Ta’ Qali are now attracting visitors looking to enjoy the seasonal charm, with the park’s serene surroundings adding to the festive mood. The display is part of an ongoing effort to bring the joy and warmth of Christmas to the local community, making Ta’ Qali a must-visit destination this holiday season.

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A 21-year-old man was denied bail on Saturday after being charged in connection with a violent attack on a 15-year-old girl outside her family home in Mqabba. The case, reported by Times of Malta, involved a gang of six, including a 13-year-old girl who allegedly stabbed the victim.

The incident occurred on 23 November when the masked group approached the victim, who had stepped outside her home. One assailant allegedly held a gun to her head while others, including the 13-year-old, assaulted her. The victim identified Jake Dalli Balzan, from Fgura, as one of the attackers, recognising his voice and tattoo.

The victim had previously reported bullying and threats, including demands for money and warnings of violence, to the police on 20 November. Following the assault, investigators recovered a flick knife in a garage linked to Dalli Balzan, who pleaded not guilty to charges including complicity, extortion, and possession of a prohibited weapon.

The defence argued for bail, citing Dalli Balzan’s clean record and employment, but the prosecution highlighted the severity of the crimes and risk of evidence tampering. Magistrate Giannella Camilleri Busuttil denied bail, issued a protection order for the victim, and imposed a ban on naming her.

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