VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has rejected claims that Malta’s hesitation to formally recognise the State of Palestine is the result of pressure from Israel or the United States.

“I totally exclude any form of external pressures,” Abela stated during a press conference, following a ministerial statement two days ago.

Abela reaffirmed that Malta’s position remains tied to the outcome of an upcoming United Nations conference, whose date has yet to be confirmed. “We are now waiting for the conference to be assigned a date, and then we will evaluate what position countries like France will be taking,” he said. “If the circumstances we had discussed ahead of the declaration are met, we will proceed.”

Abela maintained that Malta has consistently supported a ceasefire and a two-state solution, and said the country’s response to the aftermath of the October 7 attacks reflected a balanced and consistent approach.

In May, Abela had pledged that Malta would formally recognise Palestinian statehood during a UN conference scheduled for June. However, that conference—originally set for 20 June—was postponed after Israel launched a military strike against Iran, delaying the decision.

Malta, along with three other European countries, had in March 2024 expressed readiness to recognise the State of Palestine when conditions allowed. Of those four, Malta remains the only country yet to follow through. While Malta already supports the right of Palestinians to a future state, it has yet to grant official recognition.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Drama in the world of football. As reported by Spanish and Portuguese media, the Portuguese footballer of Liverpool, Diogo Jota, died in a car accident in the province of Zamora, Spain, in which his brother also lost his life. Following the accident, the car in which the two young men were traveling caught fire.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Negotiations between Manchester United and Juventus for the transfer of Jadon Sancho to the Bianconeri continue. According to Sky Sports Uk, the talks are continuing positively, although a definitive agreement has not yet been reached between the parties. United prefer a permanent deal, with an asking price of around 30 million euros. But the possibility of a loan move cannot be ruled out.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROMA (ITALPRESS) – “We are closer than ever to a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip” between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, “on the eve of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington. I believe we are at the beginning of a process to forge a new Middle East.”

This was stated by Sima Shine, a researcher and former director of the “Iran and the Shiite Axis” research program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), during the webinar “Crisis in the Middle East: geopolitical, security and energy implications of the Israel-Iran confrontation”, organized by the Eni Enrico Mattei Foundation.

The ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of around 50 hostages “has the support of the opposition, even if some members of the governing coalition will leave,” she added, referring to reports that far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are opposed to the agreement.

Shine, who was head of the Research and Evaluation Division of the Mossad from 2003 to 2007, supports “the ceasefire and the release of the hostages, as well as a new government to replace Hamas,” made up of officials from the Palestinian National Authority and with the involvement of Arab states, “alongside a gradual disarmament process for Hamas.”

“It’s hard to understand from Rome what happened on October 7: we are living through a trauma. It wasn’t a war; it was something different from anything Israel had ever experienced before. No one in Israel wants to see Hamas in power in Gaza. It’s impossible to live near the Gaza border if Hamas is there,” she added, urging greater international involvement to help the population return to kibbutzim near the Gaza barrier.

The Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, is linked to Israel’s operation against nuclear and missile sites in Iran, launched on June 13. “Without training and arms supplied by Iran, October 7 wouldn’t have happened. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have worked for years to plan a multi-front war against Israel using their proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas,” Shine said.

This role of Iran in the attack on Israel served as the “strategic motivation” for the 12-day operation launched by Tel Aviv. Other factors that pushed the Netanyahu government to strike Iran on June 13 included “concern that time was being wasted with U.S.-Iran nuclear talks,” a fear supported by “the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” as well as “advancements in ballistic missile production,” and a “window of opportunity created by the collapse of Iran’s proxies and its long-built deterrence capability.”

Finally, Shine commented on the potential normalization of diplomatic relations between Tel Aviv and Riyadh. “The possibility is always on the table. Saudi Arabia does not want the war to continue and is terrified of being drawn into it. There are contacts, but I don’t see full normalization while the war in Gaza is ongoing. Israel understands this,” she said.
The expert concluded by describing former President Trump’s efforts as “important steps toward a future of peace” in the Middle East, where “Hamas, with October 7, sought to block all of that.”

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Following the recent clash between Israel and Iran, “the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar – are doing everything possible to pursue the path of diplomacy, especially because a potential U.S.-Iran conflict would be a disaster for the GCC.” This was stated by Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, during the webinar “Crisis in the Middle East: geopolitical, security, and energy scenarios in the Israel-Iran confrontation”, organized by the Eni Enrico Mattei Foundation.

“The focus of the GCC countries is on promoting stability because they are trying to attract investment and strengthen the tourism sector, in the context of post-oil economic diversification. They want de-escalation,” Cafiero said.

The “big question is whether the ceasefire between Iran and Israel” reached on June 24 through mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump “will hold,” he continued, adding that he is “not optimistic” about it.

According to Cafiero, the GCC countries’ diplomatic approach is “difficult, but there are no other options.” “I’m not optimistic. The ceasefire could collapse at any moment. Iran might even withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and Israel and the U.S. could resume attacks,” he warned.

The six Gulf monarchies are also committed to preventing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. “The closure of Hormuz would be a disaster for the GCC,” he added.

Finally, Cafiero expressed skepticism about the potential entry of Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, as it would be perceived as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. “It would be a gift to the Iranian regime, reinforcing the narrative that Iran is the only country defending the Palestinians. Riyadh does not want to let that propaganda prevail,” he concluded.

-Photo Eni Enrico Mattei Foundation-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Manchester United is pressing on Davide Frattesi. The former Sassuolo midfielder could leave Inter, for this reason – according to what was reported by CaughtOffside – the Red Devils have taken the first steps with the Nerazzurri club to understand the feasibility of the operation.

The 1999-born player, whose price tag is around 35 million, is also followed by Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Roma. It remains to be seen whether the player will be ready to move to England or anyway abroad, in the meantime the 25-year-old is reflecting. The alternatives for United could be Joao Palhinha of Bayern Munich and Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – “As of today, Barcelona could not register Nico Williams”. Javier Tebas sends a message to the Blaugrana, busy negotiating to secure the Athletic Bilbao striker. According to the president of La Liga, Barça at this moment do not fall within the limits set by financial fair play necessary to list the player for next season, a bit like what happened at the beginning of the year with Dani Olmo before the intervention of the Higher Sports Council.

Tebas‘ words therefore risk complicating the deal, given that Williams – precisely in light of what happened in recent months – would like to insert a clause that would allow him to be released if he is not registered. Condition on which Barça does not compromise: seeing a player leave for free after having paid the 62 million euros of the clause is not an option contemplated by the Catalans’ management.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – More than 30 Maltese organisations have jointly called on the government to reject the legalisation of euthanasia, urging a stronger commitment to palliative care instead. The appeal comes during an ongoing public consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia.

The groups warn that legalising such measures would pose serious ethical and social risks, especially for society’s most vulnerable. The appeal has drawn support from a broad alliance of religious, academic, medical, and civil society groups, all calling for a reaffirmation of life, dignity, and holistic care.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Prime Minister Robert Abela has reiterated that Malta will officially recognise the State of Palestine, but only after a United Nations conference on the Israel-Palestine conflict takes place—a conference that has since been postponed.

In May, Abela pledged Malta’s formal recognition of Palestine during a UN meeting initially scheduled for 20 June. However, that conference was postponed after Israel launched a military strike on Iran, and no recognition has yet occurred. Speaking in Parliament, Abela updated MPs on recent EU-level meetings in Strasbourg and Brussels. While noting the increasing tensions between Israel and Iran and the ongoing suffering in Gaza, he made no mention of Malta’s previously stated intention to recognise Palestine.

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech challenged Abela in his response, asking why Malta has yet to act. “Malta needs to be a strong voice for human rights and justice. It shouldn’t just follow the lead—especially in Gaza and the Middle East,” Grech said. Abela later confirmed that Malta remains committed to recognition, but will wait for the rescheduled UN event before proceeding. Malta is one of four European nations that, in March 2024, declared readiness to recognise Palestinian statehood. Of those, only Malta has yet to follow through. Currently, Malta supports the Palestinian right to statehood, but only in reference to a future state.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ATLANTA (USA) (ITALPRESS) – A photo with Chicharito Hernandez for an unforgettable evening even if without a happy ending. Francisco Mendoza, a Monterrey fan, entered the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta together with his wife Paola and daughters Megan and Erika to watch the match that was later lost against Borussia Dortmund and was identified as the two millionth spectator of the Club World Cup. For him and his family, this gave the chance to watch the warm-up of the two teams from the sidelines and a photo with Javier Hernandez, the all-time World Cup goalscorer for the Mexican national team.

For FIFA, it was also an opportunity to take stock: while waiting for the quarterfinals, the attendance has exceeded 2 million with an average of 35 thousand spectators per match. The puck at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles for Psg-Atletico Madrid (80,619) but a lot of attendance especially for Real Madrid’s games: in the ranking of games with the most spectators, the whites are present in four of the first seven, including yesterday’s match with Juve in Miami which recorded 62,149 attendances.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS.

Source: medNews