To emphasize the Order of Malta’s support of the Palestinian population and the continuation of its humanitarian operations in Palestine. This was the message of the Order of Malta’s Grand Chancellor, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, who today received the Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen, on a working visit to Rome.
During the meeting, the Grand Chancellor stressed the importance of continuing to help the Palestinian population, particularly the citizens of Gaza City, by setting up a healthcare centre, confirming the intention to protect the Order’s humanitarian activities already underway. The Minister for Foreign Affairs said the Palestinian Government was highly grateful to the Order of Malta’s support of the population.
At present, the Order of Malta’s humanitarian activities in Palestine are focused on the Gaza City aid project, carried out in collaboration with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the recently raided Holy Family Church in Gaza. Since May 2024, 200 tons of food have been delivered to over 25,000 civilians, and a healthcare centre for the local community is actually on the agenda. The Order of Malta also continues to support the logistical aspects of the Patriarchate’s food distribution.
The Order of Malta’s primary activity is its Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, providing high-quality mother and child care in the West Bank since 1990. Since it is the only facility in the region that can handle premature births, thanks to an 18-bed neonatal intensive care unit, it is point of reference for all pregnant women in the area, particularly those who need specialized treatment. With Muslim and Christian doctors, midwives and nurses, it guarantees a service without distinctions of belief or social condition, offering assistance at reduced cost or completely free of charge.
Also in the West Bank, the Order of Malta stands alongside the population with mobile clinics, voucher distribution for necessities, microcredit initiatives, and health training activities.
In July, the Sovereign Order of Malta participated in the United Nations high-level conference in New York (28-30 July) on the “Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution”, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. On this occasion, the Order reaffirmed the need for “a cessation of all acts of violence that breach international law and humanitarian principles”. It said it was “ready to offer its full support to reconstruction and development efforts across the Palestinian territories”.
By Mario Masciullo
BIO:
My career in civil aviation took flight in 1960, beginning with British European Airways (BEA). In 1971, I joined East African Airways (EAA), and shortly thereafter, I was honoured to be selected as one of the qualified candidates for the managerial role at Malaysia & Singapore Airlines (MAS).
In 1972, following the decision by the Malaysian and Singaporean governments to separate the airline into two national carriers, I continued my professional journey with Singapore Airlines. I proudly served as the Marketing Manager for Italy, Greece, and Malta until 1987.
With a journalist’s license I had previously acquired, I decided to transition fully into journalism. My debut was with the Milan-based press agency Milanopress, and I have continued to write and collaborate with both Italian and international press ever since.
I remain active in the field and am a proud member of the Foreign Press Club in Italy, headquartered in Rome.
