The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism is sending 250 tonnes of flour to the people of Gaza in coming weeks, as Malta’s total humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people over the last five years surpasses €1.1 million.
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, visited the flour mills in Marsa, where 10,000 sacks of flour are being prepared for shipment to Limassol, in Cyprus, and then onwards to Gaza, in collaboration with the Government of Cyprus and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The first consignment is scheduled to leave the Malta Freeport next week. In Gaza, this aid will be distributed to civilians by the international organisation World Central Kitchen.
Since the escalation of hostilities following the 7th of October 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas, Gaza has been enduring one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in its history, with thousands of casualties, mass displacement and severe shortages of food and other basic necessities. Disruptions in the flow of humanitarian aid in recent months continued to worsen an already critical situation.
“Malta reiterates that hunger must never be a weapon of war, and the international community must unite to remove of all obstacles hindering the delivery of life-saving aid to the people of Gaza,” Deputy Prime Minister Borg said.
He explained that flour is one of the most essential and accessible forms of aid, often less likely to be blocked or delayed. “By prioritising these shipments, in addition to our ongoing financial contributions, we are aiming to join international efforts to provide direct and effective relief that can start alleviating the suffering in Gaza,” Dr Borg said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also reminded that Malta continues to call for de-escalation, an immediate end to hostilities, and the unconditional release of all 7th October hostages. “Dialogue and international collaboration remain the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Over the past five years, Malta allocated more than €1.1 million in assistance to Palestine. This includes annual financial contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as donations to UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, and other international organisations that support Palestinian communities. Malta also continues to offer University of Malta scholarships to Palestinian students.
The Ministry’s contributions to the Palestinian people tripled in 2023 and 2024, when compared to the previous three years. With the upcoming shipment of flour, Malta’s aid to the Palestinian territories in 2025 will rise to circa €350,000.
Photos: DOI/MFT
