PRESS RELEASE BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER

Meeting between the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Graffitti Movement, and  the Palestinian BDS National Committee Representatives, discussing the situation in Palestine and Malta's International Obligations

Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia held a productive and insightful meeting today with Yana Mintoff of the Graffitti Movement, along with Saleh Hijazi, Policy Coordinator, and Fiona Ben Chekroun, Europe Coordinator of the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) National Committee (BNC).

The BNC is the largest coalition in Palestinian civil society, encompassing all major trade unions, mass organisations, professional federations, and grassroots networks, all leading the global movement for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions in response to the ongoing situation in Palestine.

The meeting focused on the current political and humanitarian situation in Palestine, the significant efforts of the BDS movement, and Malta's international legal obligations regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict. The Speaker emphasised the importance of maintaining a firm commitment to international law and upholding human rights standards in addressing the crisis in Palestine.

During the discussions, the BNC representatives outlined the critical work being done by the Palestinian civil society to challenge the ongoing occupation and violations of Palestinian rights through non-violent, effective means such as boycott and divestment campaigns. The movement's goal remains to pressure Israel to comply with international law and to end its violation of Palestinian rights.

The participants also emphasised the role of Malta and other nations in ensuring that international law, including United Nations resolutions and human rights conventions, is respected in dealing with the Palestinian cause. The BNC representatives stressed that Malta, as a member of the European Union and as a country with a long history of supporting peace and justice, must continue to lead by example and use its platform to advocate for the end of the occupation and to hold Israel accountable for its actions under international law.

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia expressed his deep concern over the ongoing human rights violations in Palestine and affirmed that Malta would continue to engage in constructive dialogue on this issue at the international level. He also reiterated Malta's unwavering support for peace and stability in the region, emphasising the need for a fair and lasting solution based on international law.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue and collaboration in addressing the ongoing violations of Palestinian rights and the urgent need for an equitable and peaceful resolution to the conflict.