The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing profound distress over the escalating civilian casualty toll and the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
These dire circumstances have resulted from Israeli military operations in response to attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Hamas has been accused of deliberately targeting civilians, resulting in fatalities and kidnappings, as well as the perpetration of acts of terror.
The Singaporean government, in alignment with international consensus, firmly states that these atrocities cannot be justified under any circumstances. They have called for the immediate and safe release of all civilians held hostage by Hamas.
Comply with international law
While emphasizing Israel’s legitimate right to protect its citizens and territory, the statement also underscores the necessity for Israel to comply with international law, specifically the laws of war. It is incumbent upon Israel to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of civilians during its military operations.
The Singaporean government has urged all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law and to facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, recognizing the pressing need for immediate relief.
Contributing $300k to humanitarian relief efforts
In response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, Singapore has pledged to contribute S$300,000 toward humanitarian relief operations through the Singapore Red Cross, highlighting its commitment to assisting those affected by the crisis.
The statement acknowledges the protracted and tragic loss of lives on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over many decades.
Singapore has consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions as the sole viable path toward a durable, just, and comprehensive resolution to the long-standing conflict.
The Singaporean government remains convinced that this approach continues to hold the most promise and is urging both Israelis and Palestinians to take steps toward this ultimate goal, despite the recent and ongoing hostilities and the formidable challenges it presents.
Singapore maintains that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity.
MFA’s statement
MFA Spokesperson’s Comments on the Situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip
16 October 2023
Singapore is deeply distressed by the increasing civilian casualty toll and deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. These arise from Israeli military operations in response to the attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Hamas deliberately targeted civilians, murdering and kidnapping them, and perpetrating abhorrent acts of terror. These atrocities cannot be justified by any rationale. We call for the immediate and safe release of all civilians taken hostage by Hamas.
Israel has the legitimate right to defend its citizens and its territory. However, in exercising this right Israel must comply with international law, including the laws of war. It must do its utmost to protect the safety and security of civilians.
We urge all parties to abide by international humanitarian law and allow for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip.
In response to the urgent humanitarian situation, the Singapore Government will contribute S$300,000 towards humanitarian relief operations through the Singapore Red Cross.
Tragically, too many lives on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been lost in repeated cycles of violence over many decades. Singapore has long held the position that the only viable path to a durable, just and comprehensive resolution to the longstanding conflict is a negotiated two-state solution consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. It is convinced that this remains the case. It urges both sides to take steps towards this ultimate goal, despite the recent and ongoing hostilities and the difficulty of the task. Israelis and Palestinians alike deserve to live in peace, security and dignity.
. . . . .
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
16 OCTOBER 2023
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