The Palestine Solidarity Network in Malta has lashed out at the government for supporting Israel’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Samuela Galea of the Palestine Solidarity Network said at a press conference yesterday that this was being done as Palestinians were being subjected to brutal collective punishment at the hands of the Israeli State following the death of three Israeli settlers in unclear circumstances.

Together with representatives from other groups and organisations, Ms Galea stood in front of a large Palestinian flag spread out on the ground in front of the new Parliament building in Valletta.

Andre Callus, from Moviment Graffitti, also condemned the government, saying: “It’s alarming that Malta, a country which has historically shown clear support for the Palestinian cause, is shifting its stance to one of support for the Israeli State.”

Mr Callus said Palestinians were being treated worse than how black South Africans were treated under apartheid.

Alternattiva Demokratika, the Third World Group, Koperattiva Kummerċ Ġust, Integra Foundation, Żminijietna, the Arab Maltese Community, the Maltese Communist Party, the Arabic Culture and Information Society and the Garden of Knowledge cultural NGO were also present for the press conference.