Malta has welcomed efforts for the revival of the Middle East peace process.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said it was closely following the current international efforts, led US Secretary of State John Kerry, to revive the process.

It said Malta called on all partners to do their utmost to provide the necessary support for the resumption of direct negotiations.

"The parallel efforts of Egypt to bridge intra-Palestinian divisions are also highly praiseworthy and Malta augurs that current negotiations will lead to Palestinian reconciliation."

Malta supported the statement by the European Union high representative Catherine Ashton, expressing concern about the developments in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The recent increase in demolitions in the West Bank and the announcement of plans to further expand the Beit El settlement by almost 300 houses undermined recent efforts to revive the peace process.

"Malta reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law, and constitute an obstacle to peace."

The Foreign Ministry said that the latest events at religious sites in Jerusalem, the incidents during the Orthodox Easter, the disturbances at the Haram al Sharif/Temple Mount compound and the temporary detention of the Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine on May 8 were of particular concern.

"Malta welcomes the words of President Shimon Peres, assuring that Israel will respect all religions' holy places and ensure all worshipers from all religions can pray in their respective holy sites.

"Malta calls upon all parties not to succumb to provocations nor take steps that would kill the possibility of a two-state solution."