SINGAPORE: The ongoing conflict in Gaza cannot be resolved through the permanent forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement issued on 20 May.
The MFA urged all parties to refrain from taking unilateral actions that would further obstruct the peace process.
It reiterated Singapore’s call for the “immediate, full resumption” of humanitarian aid to Gaza and pressed for an immediate ceasefire.
The ministry also called for the swift release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
“Singapore has consistently called for all parties in the conflict to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and ensure that all civilians are kept out of harm’s way,” the statement said.
“Civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and medical workers, must be accorded due protection.”
Reaffirming its long-standing position, Singapore underlined its support for a negotiated two-state solution, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“This is the only viable path to achieving a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the longstanding Israel-Palestine conflict,” the MFA added.
The Gaza conflict escalated sharply on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise incursion into Israel, killing about 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, displacing hundreds of thousands and triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.
As of May 2025, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 53,400, including at least 17,400 children, according to the Gaza health authorities.
At least 121,398 people have been injured, with many of the casualties reported to be civilians.
Although a six-week ceasefire was implemented in early 2025, Israel imposed an aid blockade in March, severely restricting the flow of humanitarian supplies.
Since the blockade began, 57 children have reportedly died from the effects of malnutrition, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said this figure is likely an underestimate and warned that the number is expected to rise.
The WHO further warned that the risk of famine is increasing due to the deliberate withholding of food and aid.
The entire population of 2.1 million in Gaza is now facing prolonged food shortages, with nearly half a million people experiencing catastrophic hunger, acute malnutrition, illness, and death.
The organisation described the unfolding crisis as one of the world’s worst hunger emergencies, happening in real time.
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