Singapore Sends Ninth Shipment of Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Singapore is set to deliver its ninth tranche of humanitarian aid to Gaza, featuring essential medical and food supplies. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced on August 12, 2023, that a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 transport aircraft has been dispatched to Jordan. This mission is conducted at the invitation of the Jordanian government and will involve airdrop operations alongside other international air forces to ensure the aid reaches those in need in Gaza.

The shipment includes medical supplies sourced from the Ministry of Health as well as food provisions provided by various non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These organizations include Humanity Matters, Caritas Humanitarian Aid and Relief Initiatives Singapore, Mercy Relief, and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation. Coordination of the delivery is facilitated through the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre, which plays a crucial role in organizing such efforts.

In support of this humanitarian mission, a total of 58 defence and military personnel have been deployed. Key figures present at the send-off ceremony at Paya Lebar Air Base included Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamed, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo, and the Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Singapore, Qais Biltaji. Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Jordan, Shamsher Zaman, and Singapore’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority, Hawazi Daipi, also attended. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, met with representatives from the NGOs involved in this initiative.

This latest aid shipment arrives just two days after Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed serious concerns regarding Israel’s plans to expand military operations in Gaza. On August 10, the MFA described the proposed military expansion as “a dangerous and unacceptable course of action” that could lead to further civilian displacement and worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis. An MFA spokesperson emphasized the need for the Israeli government to facilitate the “full and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid” and urged all parties to protect civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law.

During the send-off, Minister Zaqy Mohamed highlighted the role of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza. “This is one way to show how the whole community rallies together to show compassion,” he stated, noting that the mission demonstrates the SAF’s “operational readiness, commitment, and professionalism” in aiding those in need. The SAF’s Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre has been instrumental in organizing the food packages included in this shipment.

Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Muslim community and all Singaporeans for their generosity and compassion. “Every act of giving is a light in the darkness for someone in need,” he remarked, urging continued support for humanitarian initiatives in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of working towards a future of peace, safety, and dignity for all.

This airdrop operation marks the second time the RSAF’s C-130 has been utilized for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza since the onset of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. To date, Singapore has contributed over S$22 million (US$17.1 million) in humanitarian aid to the region, underscoring the nation’s commitment to providing assistance during this critical time.