30-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a humanitarian effort to address the urgent needs of civilians affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict, an aircraft loaded with crucial supplies, including medicine, sanitation items, and water filters, took off from Changi Air Base (East) in Singapore on November 30.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport embarked on this mission for Egypt shortly after midnight, marking Singapore’s commitment to providing assistance as the conflict unfolds. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Ministry of Defence jointly stated that the deployment was prompted by the pressing need for aid and the continued accessibility of humanitarian supply routes.
A total of 46 Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, comprising pilots, aircrew, engineers, and army security personnel, are actively participating in this crucial humanitarian mission. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad were present at the airbase during the departure.
Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt, Dominic Goh, is set to oversee the handover of supplies to the Egyptian Red Crescent in Egypt. The Egyptian Red Crescent will facilitate the distribution of these supplies to civilians in Gaza.
Coordinated by the SAF’s Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (Changi RHCC), efforts were made to consolidate aid items after the MFA engaged with the Egyptian Red Crescent to identify the most needed supplies. The Changi RHCC, operational since 2014, has previously conducted relief missions to Nepal in 2015 and Laos in 2018.
Medical supplies, blankets, and food, sourced from the Ministry of Health, SAF, and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Singapore Red Cross, Mercy Relief, and Relief Singapore, constitute the aid package sent to Egypt.
Dr. Balakrishnan, addressing the media at the airbase, emphasized the careful selection of relevant supplies and highlighted that this mission reflects the solidarity and compassion of the Singaporean people. The joint statement by the ministries revealed that Singaporeans have contributed over $7 million in cash and in-kind donations to support relief efforts in Gaza.
Referring to the ongoing truce in the conflict, Dr. Balakrishnan expressed hope for an extension while acknowledging the urgency of delivering assistance in the current situation. Mr. Zaqy emphasized that the aid effort showcases the strong collaboration between Singaporean NGOs and the government.
In October, the government announced a contribution of $300,000 towards relief operations through the Singapore Red Cross, which itself donated US$300,000 (S$400,000) worth of supplies. The Singapore Red Cross also played a role in coordinating aid efforts through the Rafah border crossing in Egypt.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has endured for more than seven weeks, recently saw a six-day truce – the first pause in hostilities. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with over 1,200 reported deaths and thousands losing their homes in Gaza.
The temporary ceasefire has allowed the entry of about 800 aid trucks into Gaza, with the first of three United States planes carrying humanitarian supplies landing in Egypt on November 28.
