Maltese Politicians Call Out Renewed Gaza Bombardment

Mar 18 2025

Taking to social media, Labour MEP Daniel Attard called out the resuming of bombardment on Gaza, reporting how another 330 were killed – totalling around 60,000 dead.

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‘But don’t expect any condemnation from Europe towards Netanyahu’, wrote MEP Attard. ‘That’s only for what fits the narrative… NOT for the Gaza genocide.’

Meanwhile, new political party Momentum issued a statement, with chairperson Arnold Cassola saying: ‘This inhuman carnage cannot go on.’

‘Yesterday, surprise Israel strikes killed 330 people in Gaza.Mainly women, children and elderly. And all this done with Donald Trump’s approval’, said Cassola.

‘This is horrendous. Hamas’s 7th October strike was horrendous. The taking of Israeli hostages was horrendous. But Nethanyahu’s disproportionate brutal and ruthless reactions are unacceptable.’

‘The EU must take up vigorous diplomatic initiatives. All Israeli and Palestinian hostages, held by the respective sides, should be released’, he continued. ‘And Malta should immediately recognise the state of Palestine.’

Israel launched widespread airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, according to hospital officials.

The assault ended a ceasefire in place since January, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to alter the truce agreement.

The Israeli military warned residents to evacuate parts of eastern Gaza, hinting at possible renewed ground operations. Netanyahu vowed to intensify military action, while Hamas accused him of prioritising political survival over hostage negotiations.

The strikes, occurring during Ramadan, raised concerns for the remaining Israeli hostages. A senior Hamas official claimed Netanyahu’s actions endangered them.

Meanwhile, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the Israeli government of abandoning captives by rejecting ceasefire terms.

In Rafah, a strike killed 17 members of one family, including children. In Khan Younis, medics struggled to treat casualties as airstrikes continued.

Palestinians anticipated renewed violence after ceasefire talks stalled, with Israel blocking aid to Gaza’s 2 million residents to pressure Hamas.

The White House blamed Hamas for the escalation, arguing it could have extended the ceasefire by releasing hostages.

Israeli officials said the strikes targeted Hamas leaders and infrastructure, with plans to expand operations. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that if hostages were not released, “the gates of hell will open in Gaza.”

With ceasefire negotiations collapsing, the conflict appears set to escalate further.

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FitMap-Malta Project Launched To Improve Youth Health and Well-Being

Mar 18 2025

The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, led by Minister Clifton Grima, has launched the FitMap-Malta project, aimed at improving the health and well-being of Malta’s youth.

The project was introduced with Professor Andrew Decelis from the University of Malta’s Institute of Physical Education and Sport, alongside Director General Jude Zammit.

FitMap-Malta is a health and well-being monitoring system designed specifically for adolescents. The initiative is a significant step towards fostering a healthier, more active generation by providing valuable insights into students’ physical health.

Minister Grima stressed the importance of the project, stating, “Our National Education Strategy is centred on personal well-being, and we are committed to the holistic development of students through various programmes. As a government, we have promised to improve student well-being and promote an active lifestyle, while raising awareness about the need for physical activity.”

Professor Decelis added, “FitMap-Malta will provide students with detailed insights into their physical health and offer tools to help them adopt a more active lifestyle. Using scientifically validated monitoring methods, students will gain a better understanding of their fitness levels and set personal improvement goals with the support of their Physical Education teachers.”

The project will begin as a pilot in six local state secondary schools with 12 trained physical education teachers. The system will incorporate scientifically validated exercises, approved by 169 experts from 50 countries.

Developed by the Ministry, the University of Malta, and FitBack Europe, FitMap-Malta aims to establish a national monitoring system that promotes physical literacy, encourages active living, and provides essential data on adolescent health.

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Open Call For Jake Vella Memorial

Mar 18 2025

In the coming days, a call for proposals will be issued for an artistic project commemorating the memory of Jake Vella.

Just days before the late Jake Vella’s birthday, his legacy was honoured with an Open Day at the Għar Dalam and Borġ in-Nadur sites in Birżebbuġa.

During the event, Minister for National Heritage, Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli, announced a proposal call for a memorial dedicated to Vella.

This initiative, in collaboration with the Birżebbuġa Local Council, was welcomed with joy by Jake’s parents, who attended the event.

Heritage Malta, together with the ministry, opened the prehistoric sites of Għar Dalam and Borġ in-Nadur to the public free of charge, attracting hundreds of visitors eager to explore Malta’s prehistory.

Minister Bonnici expressed satisfaction with local communities’ role in promoting Malta’s cultural heritage. He reaffirmed his commitment to honouring Jake Vella’s memory, praising his dedication and positive impact on society.

Parliamentary Secretary Zerafa Civelli emphasised the importance of recognising individuals like Jake Vella, whose kindness and legacy continue to inspire the Maltese and Gozitan people.

The Open Day also featured family-friendly activities, children’s events, and book sales by Heritage Malta, with donations collected for the Association for Abandoned Animals.

The event was attended by Birżebbuġa Mayor Scott Camilleri, local councillors, and representatives from various NGOs.

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€1 Million Invested In Cancer Research

Mar 18 2025

The Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM), in collaboration with Xjenza Malta, has launched the second call for its Cancer Research Programme, aimed at advancing national efforts in cancer research and innovation.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, highlighted the importance of the programme and the increased support for research, stating, “This year, we are doubling our investment by allocating one million euros in grants for innovative cancer research projects. This significant funding boost underscores the importance of this field and reinforces our commitment to scientific breakthroughs that can transform lives.”

Professor Christian Scerri, Chairman of CRIHM, added that the programme represents an investment not just in research, but in innovation, collaboration, and hope. “Cancer research has the power to change lives, and by working together across disciplines and sectors, we can accelerate progress that shapes the future of cancer care.”

The Cancer Research Programme 2025 is part of the national funding portfolio managed by the R&I Unit in Xjenza Malta.

Aligned with the Smart Specialisation Strategy on Health and Well-being and Horizon Europe’s ECHoS Beating Cancer Mission, it aims to reduce cancer incidence, improve treatments, increase survival rates, and enhance patients’ quality of life.

The funding opportunity is open to academic, public, and private entities.

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