Singapore is “gravely concerned” about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, which has resulted in escalating civilian casualties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on 19 March.
An MFA spokesperson called for all civilians to be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The spokesperson also reiterated Singapore’s stance that all hostages should be released immediately and that humanitarian supplies to Gaza must not be impeded.
“We urge all parties to resume negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire,” the statement read.
The renewed fighting began on 18 March, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, killing more than 400 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
It marked the deadliest bombardment since the start of the war.
More than 400 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes as Netanyahu warns ‘this is only the beginning’
The attacks came after Hamas rejected Israeli demands to release half of the remaining hostages as a condition for extending the ceasefire that had been in place since January.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation was “only the beginning” and vowed to continue until all of Israel’s war objectives were met. These include the destruction of Hamas and the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
According to the Gaza health ministry, most of those killed in the airstrikes were women and children.
Over 660 injured people have been taken to hospitals, but many more are feared to be trapped under rubble.
The Red Cross has warned that Gaza’s already overwhelmed medical facilities are struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) confirmed in a joint statement that the strikes targeted Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad positions, including weapons stockpiles, launch sites, and military infrastructure.
As part of the renewed offensive, Israel has ordered Palestinian civilians to evacuate several areas, including Beit Hanoun in the north and Khirbet Khuza’a, Abasan al-Kabira, and Abasan al-Jadida in the south, directing them towards central Gaza.
The collapse of the ceasefire follows weeks of stalled negotiations.
According to The Guardian’s international security correspondent Jason Burke, Israeli officials claim that targeting Hamas leaders will pressure the group into releasing more hostages.
However, many hostage families in Israel remain sceptical of this approach.
Military reinforcements and political pressures shape Netanyahu’s decisions
Burke also noted that Israel’s military capabilities have been significantly bolstered over the past six weeks.
US arms shipments have replenished ammunition stocks, and the Israeli military has repaired equipment and rested troops, making large-scale operations more feasible.
Beyond military objectives, Netanyahu also faces political pressure at home.
His right-wing allies, who strongly opposed a permanent ceasefire, are now backing his decision to escalate the conflict. Securing their support is critical for Netanyahu as he navigates upcoming parliamentary votes.
Additionally, Netanyahu remains embroiled in a corruption trial, and a court recently allowed him to skip a scheduled hearing due to the renewed war.
His decision to dismiss the head of Israel’s internal security service has also raised concerns about democratic oversight, with mass protests expected in the coming days.
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