15-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) Singapore has announced its third tranche of humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which will be delivered through Jordan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan will embark on a working visit to Amman, Jordan from Saturday to Sunday to hand over the aid in collaboration with the Jordanian government.
The mission will involve the deployment of an A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and a C-130 transport aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), as stated by the MFA. The C-130 will conduct humanitarian airdrop operations based in Jordan with support from the Jordanian Armed Forces, following an invitation from the Jordanian government.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) reported that the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (RHCC) of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has led efforts to coordinate and consolidate contributions of humanitarian aid supplies. These supplies have been provided by agencies including the SAF, Ministry of Health (MOH), and the non-governmental organization Relief Singapore.
Earlier today, 69 personnel departed on the MRTT and C-130 from Changi Air Base (East) and Paya Lebar Air Base respectively, in support of the operations, according to MINDEF.
Dr Balakrishnan’s visit to Jordan aims to strengthen Singapore’s strong ties with Middle Eastern partners, which have facilitated the effective and timely delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as stated by the MFA.
Accompanying Dr Balakrishnan on the visit is Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad, along with officials from the MFA. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his appreciation to King Abdullah II of Jordan in a letter, acknowledging the Jordanian government’s assistance in facilitating the delivery of Singapore’s aid to Gaza.
Prime Minister Lee also highlighted that the RSAF welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Jordanian Air Force in conducting air drops of humanitarian aid supplies to Gaza. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and saving innocent lives.
Singapore remains committed to supporting the civilians in Gaza and appreciates King Abdullah’s active leadership in seeking a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to Prime Minister Lee. He reiterated Singapore’s belief in a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, as the only viable option for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Despite the challenges ahead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining hope in the pursuit of peace.
