There is still no indication when Malta will formally recognise Palestine as a state, after Abela said he is waiting for the United Nations conference to take place. Back in May, Abela had told party supporters that Malta would finally recognise Palestine shortly, indicating this would take place at the United Nations conference on June 20. Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg had also hinted at potential developments expected at the same conference, suggesting that Malta could join a group of other countries taking a unified stand on the issue. Yet, the awaited United Nations conference was postponed after Israel launched a military attack on Iran, delaying Malta's commitment to recognising Palestine as a state. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Abela informed MPs about the EU-level meetings held in Strasbourg and Brussels. He said several topics were addressed throughout the meetings, including the situation in the Middle East. The meetings were held while tension between Israel and Iran escalated. "We cannot, even for a single moment, forget what is happening in Gaza," Abela said. "The humanitarian situation, which is continuously deteriorating, is shocking and shameful for the entire international community." He said it is no longer enough to condemn the tragedy, but now the "international community" must do more to stop the suffering. While he condemns the violence, Abela never mentions Malta's commitment to recognise Palestine. During his reply, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech asked why the government continues to delay recognising Palestine as a state. "Why is the government dragging its feet?" Grech asked. Abela later said Malta will recognise Palestine after the United Nations conference takes place. In a press statement, the Nationalist Party said Abela once again carried out a "u-turn", this time on the recognition of Palestine.