SINGAPORE: Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan has told Israel's leaders during his working visit that the country's actions in Gaza have "gone too far".
Dr Balakrishnan also called for an immediate ceasefire for aid to flow into Gaza swiftly, expressing Singapore's deep concern with the dire humanitarian situation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement on Wednesday.
During the trip on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr Balakrishnan met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as with Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, Minister Benny Gantz and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
"Minister Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s sympathies to all the families affected by the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023," said MFA.
"He reiterated Singapore’s condemnation of the acts of terror and called for the safe, unconditional and immediate release of all civilian hostages from Gaza.
"He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the swift and unhindered delivery of aid to Gaza, especially through land based routes."
MFA said that Singapore will continue to work with regional partners, including Jordan and Israel, to facilitate the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) airdrop mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
However, Dr Balakrishnan also reiterated Singapore's view that "Israel’s military actions in Gaza has gone too far", and called on Israel "to do its utmost to protect the safety and security of civilians".
During the visit, Dr Balakrishnan highlighted Singapore's support for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
"This is the only viable pathway towards a comprehensive, just and durable peace between the Israelis and Palestinians," said MFA.
Together with other Members of Parliament, Dr Balakrishnan separately met with members of Israel’s Knesset, or parliament, including those from the National Unity, United Arab List and Labour parties.
He leaves Israel on Wednesday for the United Arab Emirates.
Continue reading...
Dr Balakrishnan also called for an immediate ceasefire for aid to flow into Gaza swiftly, expressing Singapore's deep concern with the dire humanitarian situation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement on Wednesday.
During the trip on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dr Balakrishnan met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as with Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz, Minister Benny Gantz and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
"Minister Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s sympathies to all the families affected by the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023," said MFA.
"He reiterated Singapore’s condemnation of the acts of terror and called for the safe, unconditional and immediate release of all civilian hostages from Gaza.
"He called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow for the swift and unhindered delivery of aid to Gaza, especially through land based routes."
MFA said that Singapore will continue to work with regional partners, including Jordan and Israel, to facilitate the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) airdrop mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
However, Dr Balakrishnan also reiterated Singapore's view that "Israel’s military actions in Gaza has gone too far", and called on Israel "to do its utmost to protect the safety and security of civilians".
During the visit, Dr Balakrishnan highlighted Singapore's support for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
"This is the only viable pathway towards a comprehensive, just and durable peace between the Israelis and Palestinians," said MFA.
Together with other Members of Parliament, Dr Balakrishnan separately met with members of Israel’s Knesset, or parliament, including those from the National Unity, United Arab List and Labour parties.
He leaves Israel on Wednesday for the United Arab Emirates.
Continue reading...