At least 11 migrants drowned during a rescue operation in international waters off Malta’s coast, according to Maltese authorities. The Armed Forces of Malta reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening after a fishing vessel alerted them to a migrant boat in distress about 50 nautical miles east of Malta. The location was outside Malta’s territorial waters. A total of 53 people were rescued alive.

The Malta Rescue Coordination Centre directed the fishing vessel and nearby ships to assist in the rescue. Several migrants fell into the sea while attempting to board the fishing vessel. Italy’s coast guard later recovered the bodies of the 11 victims. Italian authorities said the migrant boat had departed from Libya.

Malta’s Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Glenn Bedingfield, described the loss of life as tragic and called for stronger European action against human traffickers and a coordinated Mediterranean migration policy to prevent future tragedies.

OpenAI and the Government of Malta have announced a partnership that will provide every citizen and resident free access to ChatGPT Plus for one year. The initiative, unveiled on Saturday, marks OpenAI’s first collaboration with a national government. Access will be granted through a government-led AI literacy program, with participants required to complete a free online course titled “AI for All,” developed by the University of Malta. The first phase of the program is scheduled to launch in May, and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority will oversee the distribution of subscriptions.

According to the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, the course aims to help people understand what artificial intelligence is, its capabilities and limitations, and how to use it responsibly in daily life and work. Malta’s Minister for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, said the initiative combines education with access to advanced digital tools to make AI practical for families, students, and workers. George Osborne, head of OpenAI for Countries, described the partnership as a model for how nations can empower citizens to benefit from AI’s transformative potential.

The announcement places Malta among a growing number of governments exploring ways to integrate AI into public education and services, following similar initiatives in Iceland, Greece, and the United Kingdom.

Malta has announced it will officially recognize the State of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly in September. Prime Minister Robert Abela confirmed the decision amid growing domestic pressure and support for a two-state solution. This move follows similar intentions by the UK and France, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning of recognition if Israel fails to meet conditions. Ireland, Norway, and Spain have already recognized Palestine, highlighting increasing European support for Palestinian statehood.

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.