Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta has announced that his country will formally recognize the State of Palestine following an international summit on June 20. "We cannot turn a blind eye to the escalating atrocities," Abela said, calling the recognition a moral responsibility. He expressed special sorrow over the killing of nine children of Dr. Ala Al-Najjar in an Israeli attack. The Maltese government also stated its readiness to welcome Dr. Al-Najjar and his family.