Singapore Commits to Gaza Reconstruction; US Role Essential for Peace

Singapore has expressed its readiness to contribute to the rebuilding of Gaza following a ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made this announcement on October 10, 2023, during a press conference after completing a six-day official visit to Australia and New Zealand. Wong emphasized the importance of American involvement in the ongoing peace process, stating that it will be crucial for achieving a long-term solution.

“Just as American involvement was critical in getting us to where we are now, continued American engagement will be vital in continued progress on this roadmap,” Wong said. His comments highlight a broader sentiment among international leaders regarding the role of the United States in facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties.

Earlier in the day, Wong praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump along with the contributions from Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, who played significant roles in brokering the ceasefire. Reports indicate that Israeli troops have begun to withdraw from various areas of Gaza, allowing residents to return to their devastated neighborhoods.

As Singapore looks to step up its contributions, Wong pointed out that significant efforts will be needed for the reconstruction of Gaza, particularly if the current peace holds. “You can imagine huge, tremendous efforts are needed to rebuild Gaza, and we will certainly look forward to doing our part in this process,” he stated.

Singapore has initiated several capacity-building programs aimed at supporting Palestinians, including scholarships, as part of its commitment to aid in the region. Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam highlighted that these scholarships are among grassroots initiatives designed to assist the Palestinian population.

Wong acknowledged that the next steps in the peace process remain uncertain, particularly concerning the governing structure in Gaza. “But we have very good relations with the Palestinian Authority. We will continue to be in touch with them, with Americans and other key players in this process, to see how Singapore can play a helpful role,” he noted.

The Prime Minister reiterated Singapore’s longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that American leadership, especially from Trump, is vital in facilitating dialogue among all parties involved, including Israel, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and other Arab states.

Wong explained that part of the peace plan requires Hamas to disarm and establish a transitional governance structure for Gaza. “These are complex steps to take, and eventually, of course, we also must ensure a clear path for Palestinian statehood, as part of a negotiated two-state solution where both Palestinians and Israelis can enjoy lasting peace and security,” he said.

He acknowledged the deep-rooted nature of these issues, stating, “These are very complex, longstanding issues with a lot of history to it.” Past attempts to resolve these conflicts have often faltered, yet Wong remained optimistic. “But we must never give up, and we must keep trying,” he concluded, reflecting a commitment to peace and cooperation in the region.

This renewed focus on Gaza’s reconstruction and the importance of international cooperation underscores Singapore’s role as a supportive partner in global humanitarian efforts, while also highlighting the critical need for American engagement in the ongoing peace process.