Singapore Declines Role in Trump’s Gaza Peace Oversight Board

SINGAPORE: On October 15, 2023, Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan affirmed that the country is not pursuing a position on the proposed “Board of Peace,” which aims to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. This board, part of a 20-point peace initiative led by United States President Donald Trump, is designed to manage funding for Gaza’s reconstruction following significant devastation over the past two years.

During a parliamentary session, Dr. Balakrishnan addressed inquiries regarding Singapore’s potential involvement in Gaza’s governance. “We are not campaigning to be on the Board of Peace,” he stated, highlighting Singapore’s preference for a modest and constructive approach. “Our approach is always to do more, say less, be quietly helpful and constructive, work from the ground up.”

Longstanding Cooperation with Palestinian Authority

Dr. Balakrishnan emphasized that Singapore would continue its longstanding cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. He noted that this collaboration is not contingent on formal positions but is rooted in mutual engagement. The Foreign Affairs Minister referenced the Singapore Cooperation Programme, established in 1992 to assist developing nations, as a foundational element of Singapore’s support.

“The Palestinian prime minister has visited Singapore, and our prime minister has also traveled to Palestine,” Dr. Balakrishnan remarked. He indicated that future programs will be tailored to the specific needs and requests of the Palestinian leadership. “They will take the lead on which programs they are interested in and how Singapore can best address their needs,” he added.

Medical and Educational Support for Gaza

In response to questions about Singapore’s contributions to Gaza, Dr. Balakrishnan highlighted the country’s medical support over the past two years. He acknowledged the challenges faced by medical professionals in dealing with complex health issues arising from the conflict. “At this stage, medical workers will not be dealing with immediate, acute trauma, but difficult sequelae like amputations, the need for prostheses, and rehabilitation,” he explained.

Dr. Balakrishnan also addressed the educational needs in Gaza, stating that Singapore could help through “train-the-trainer” programs, despite a limited number of Arabic-speaking professionals in the country. He underscored the importance of education and vocational training for long-term economic recovery in Gaza.

When discussing potential peacekeeping efforts, the minister regarded it as “premature” to consider sending troops and suggested waiting for a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution on the matter. He reiterated Singapore’s commitment to supporting Gaza through established international aid channels, including the UN Relief and Works Agency and the World Food Programme.

“It is not for us to impose our idea of how aid should be delivered,” Dr. Balakrishnan remarked, reinforcing Singapore’s philosophy of a collaborative and respectful role in international aid efforts.

On October 8, President Trump announced a significant development in the region with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included the release of Israeli hostages. This agreement marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as the world watches to see how the new peace plan will unfold.

Singapore’s approach reflects a commitment to quiet diplomacy and constructive aid, prioritizing the needs of the Palestinian people while refraining from seeking prominent roles in international governance structures.