20-3-2024 (JERUSALEM) Amidst mounting global pressure, Singapore has voiced grave concerns over Israel’s planned military offensive in the Gaza Strip city of Rafah, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated on Sunday. The operation could profoundly impact an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians seeking shelter in the embattled enclave.
Following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials this weekend, Dr Balakrishnan expressed pessimism regarding the prospects for a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. “While we hope for at least an immediate humanitarian truce, I am not optimistic about the outcome of the ongoing ceasefire talks,” the minister remarked to journalists on 19th March.
Israel is facing intense international calls, including from stalwart ally the United States, to postpone its intended ground incursion into Rafah. The military action, Israeli officials claim, aims to neutralise Hamas militants operating in the border city. However, world leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have questioned the “terribly high costs” such an offensive would entail after meeting Mr Netanyahu in Jerusalem on 17th March. Scholz had previously cautioned that substantial civilian casualties could render regional peace “very difficult” to achieve.
Defying external pressure, Mr Netanyahu has asserted Israel’s resolve to proceed with the operation. Addressing lawmakers on 19th March, the premier affirmed the Israeli military would launch the anticipated ground assault in Rafah.
When queried if bilateral ties with the Jewish state could suffer consequences should the operation materialise, Dr Balakrishnan responded: “We will have to see what happens. Ultimately, (Mr Netanyahu) must make decisions for Israel. He is answerable to his populace and will also bear accountability for the repercussions.”
While reiterating Singapore’s calls for a humanitarian truce and unconditional hostage release in Gaza, the Foreign Minister acknowledged the nation’s limited leverage. “We have articulated our position and provided humanitarian aid. We stand ready to do more. However, we must also reconcile with this being another recurring spate of violence in an exceptionally troubled region,” he stated.
Dr Balakrishnan was in Israel as part of a 10-day working visit to the Middle East, having already toured Doha, Amman, Aqaba and Ramallah. Besides Mr Netanyahu, he engaged Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, President Isaac Herzog, War Cabinet member Benny Gantz and former PM Naftali Bennett.
Reflecting on the Israelis’ viewpoint, the minister described the exchanges as “frank and sometimes brutal”. He revealed conveying Singapore’s belief that “the Israeli military response has now gone too far” to Mr Netanyahu and others. “They hear us out, but it will not alter their plans,” Dr Balakrishnan added.
