Singapore Advocates for Increased Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Singapore has called for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza during discussions with Israeli leaders, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. His remarks on November 6 followed a four-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Dr. Balakrishnan stressed the necessity for a surge in humanitarian assistance, emphasizing that “there should be no reason for any Palestinian in Gaza to be short of food or to be denied access, or have any restriction on access to medical care.” This visit coincided with the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which was reached in October 2023.

In his meetings, Dr. Balakrishnan announced that Singapore would enhance its contributions to humanitarian and medical aid for Gaza. Earlier in the week, he met with leaders of the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah, where he presented a donation of US$500,000 aimed at alleviating food insecurity in the region. He reiterated the importance of engagement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, stating that Palestinian leaders are eager for such dialogue.

Supporting a Two-State Solution

Dr. Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding position that a negotiated two-state solution is the “only viable way to achieve a just and durable solution.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead but noted a shared understanding among Israeli leaders that the cycle of violence cannot continue indefinitely.

He pointed to the need for international support, including from the United Nations and U.S. President Donald Trump, to implement a peace plan through a UN Security Council resolution. “There needs to be progress in which the two peoples find a way to coexist in peace, dignity and security,” he added.

When asked about the Israeli leaders’ response to Singapore’s stance, Dr. Balakrishnan indicated that they received his views with “good grace.” He highlighted the possibility of maintaining a relationship built on trust, despite differences in opinion. “When partners are able to express and constructively engage in their differences, that’s when you can also look for new opportunities and for progress,” he stated.

Reflections on Recent Conversations

The discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Sa’ar were characterized by candid exchanges. Dr. Balakrishnan noted that while acknowledging the trauma caused by the October 7 attacks, he observed a shift in perspective among Israeli leaders. “They now have a bit more bandwidth to think beyond the urgent and immediate pressures of the war, to take a longer-term strategic perspective,” he explained.

Reflecting on his previous visit to the region in March 2024, Dr. Balakrishnan expressed a more hopeful outlook compared to earlier discussions. He concluded that “all wars need to end at the end, not on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue in achieving lasting peace.