Singapore has strongly criticised the Israeli security cabinet’s plan to expand military operations in Gaza, calling the move “dangerous and unacceptable”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on 10 August 2025 that such action would lead to further mass displacement and deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis.
It reiterated Singapore’s call for an immediate ceasefire and urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages without conditions.
The MFA also stressed that Israel must fulfil its international humanitarian obligations.
It called for the removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid and the immediate facilitation of its full and unimpeded delivery.
All parties, it said, must protect civilian infrastructure and civilians, especially those attempting to access humanitarian supplies, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Singapore urged all parties to return to negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire.
The MFA’s latest statement was supported by Singapore’s former President Halimah Yacob, who said, “Israel wants to completely occupy Gaza, leading to more death and destruction. Inhumane.”
Preparedness to recognise Palestine
Singapore is prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine, with the key consideration being whether such recognition would advance a negotiated two-state solution.
This position was conveyed by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy secretary for Asia-Pacific, Kevin Cheok, at a high-level United Nations conference in New York on 29 July 2025.
Cheok said Singapore is considering deploying a medical team to Gaza to treat patients and stands ready to contribute to reconstruction once a permanent ceasefire is reached.
He reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding position supporting the Palestinian right to a homeland, based on a negotiated two-state solution consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Backing the Arab Reconstruction Plan
Singapore also supports Egypt’s Arab Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, a 112-page redevelopment proposal that includes maps and conceptual images of housing estates, community centres, and gardens.
The plan was discussed at the three-day UN conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which concluded on 30 July 2025.
Around 125 countries participated in drafting a declaration urging Israel to commit to the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
The United States and Israel boycotted the meeting.
Need for effective Palestinian governance
Cheok stressed the importance of an effective Palestinian government that categorically renounces terrorism and recognises Israel’s right to exist.
He welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ 9 June letter reaffirming the Palestinian Authority’s rejection of violence and its longstanding recognition of Israel.
The letter also reiterated a commitment to implementing governance reforms.
Singapore hopes these commitments will be realised to help strengthen the peace process.
Humanitarian aid and contributions
Cheok renewed Singapore’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the lifting of aid restrictions.
He condemned reports of people being shot while seeking food, describing them as “unconscionable” and a violation of international humanitarian law.
Singapore has contributed over US$17 million (S$21.8 million) in monetary and in-kind assistance to Gaza.
It has worked with regional and global partners, including UNICEF and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, to deliver support.
However, much of this assistance has not reached Gaza due to severe Israeli restrictions at border crossings.
According to the United Nations, daily aid truck entries are less than 15% of the required 600, contributing to what the World Health Organisation describes as “alarming” malnutrition rates.
Aid agencies have reported widespread starvation and civilians being killed while trying to access food.
This aid blockade has drawn strong condemnation from multiple countries and is a central reason behind recent diplomatic moves by France and Britain to recognise a Palestinian state.
Through a US$7 million enhanced technical assistance package, Singapore has also supported capacity building for Palestinian leaders.
This includes scholarships for Palestinian students to study in Singapore.
On 11 July, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan announced two initiatives set to begin in 2026: collaboration with Japan’s International Cooperation Agency to train the Palestinian Civil Police Force in community policing, and a leadership programme for emerging Palestinian leaders.
Global diplomatic pressure
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on 24 July that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state in September.
On 29 July, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would do the same unless Israel takes meaningful steps to ease humanitarian aid restrictions and meet other conditions.
These announcements followed a 21 July joint statement by 28 nations calling for an immediate end to the Gaza war and the lifting of aid blockages.
According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israel’s military operations have killed at least 60,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians.
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