19-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, engaged in crucial diplomatic discussions with leaders of the Palestinian Authority (PA) during his visit to Ramallah on Monday (Mar 18), amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants.
Dr. Balakrishnan held meetings with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, his anticipated successor Mohammad Mustafa, counterpart Riad Al Malki, and Palestinian head of general intelligence services Majed Faraj.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) conveyed Dr. Balakrishnan’s expression of deep concern regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, advocating for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to facilitate effective aid delivery to affected civilians.
During the discussions, Dr. Balakrishnan provided updates on Singapore’s humanitarian assistance to Gaza, highlighting the country’s third tranche of aid and a donation of S$6.1 million from the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.
Furthermore, Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s steadfast support for a negotiated two-state solution, emphasising it as the sole viable pathway towards achieving comprehensive, just, and enduring peace in the region.
Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the PA’s capacity-building endeavours in civil service and digital governance, with over 700 PA officials having benefited from training programmes and post-graduate scholarships provided by Singapore.
The establishment of the Singapore Representative Office in Ramallah in October 2022 has extended Singapore’s technical assistance to the PA, enhancing its outreach and delivery capabilities.
Accompanying Dr. Balakrishnan was a delegation comprising five Members of Parliament, including Mr. Alex Yam, Ms. Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Ms. Rachel Ong, Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, and Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam.
The conflict in Gaza has persisted for over five months, originating from Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct 7. Israel’s retaliatory actions have resulted in a significant loss of life, with both sides suffering casualties amidst escalating tensions.
The Integrated Food-Security Phase Classification issued a concerning statement, indicating extreme food shortages in parts of the Gaza Strip surpassing famine levels, warning of imminent mass casualties without immediate intervention and increased aid distribution.
Israel has pledged to facilitate aid delivery through additional land routes, sea shipments, and airdrops. However, logistical challenges persist, hindering the timely and safe distribution of supplies, particularly in the northern regions of Gaza.
