19-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singaporean leaders have conveyed their condolences to their Palestinian Authority (PA) counterparts in light of the escalating civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. They have reaffirmed Singapore’s stance that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable path to resolving the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a letter addressed to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam expressed his deep concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. He noted the significant loss of life and suffering experienced by innocent civilians, attributing it to Israeli military actions in response to attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7.
President Tharman expressed Singapore’s heartfelt sympathies to the wounded and the families of those who lost their lives. He called upon all parties involved to prioritize the safety and security of civilians, uphold international humanitarian law, and ensure the swift delivery of aid to affected individuals in the Gaza Strip. Tharman Shanmugaratnam reiterated Singapore’s unwavering belief that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be resolved through a negotiated two-state solution, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in a letter to PA Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, shared his profound sadness over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of Palestinian civilian lives, including the recent Gaza hospital explosion.
On behalf of the Singaporean Government, Prime Minister Lee offered condolences to the bereaved families and encouraged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritize civilian safety. Notably, Singapore has contributed $300,000 in humanitarian aid in response to the deteriorating situation. PM Lee emphasized that a negotiated two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians coexisting in peace and security, is the sole sustainable means to break the cycle of violence, aligning with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, in a letter to PA Foreign Minister Riad Al Malki, expressed his deep sorrow about the mounting civilian toll in Gaza and the losses resulting from the Ahli Arab Hospital blast. Dr. Balakrishnan underscored Singapore’s concern regarding the increasingly dire humanitarian circumstances in the region. He mentioned that the Singaporean Government, along with the Singapore Red Cross and the people of Singapore, is actively raising funds to support humanitarian requirements in Gaza. Dr. Balakrishnan lent his support to international appeals for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. He reaffirmed Singapore’s belief that a two-state solution, consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, is essential for a lasting, equitable, and comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict.
