Singapore calls for immediate Gaza ceasefire, urges Israel to lift aid restrictions

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, describing the prolonged suffering of civilians as “unconscionable” and urging Israel to comply with its international humanitarian obligations.

In a statement issued on 24 July, MFA said the denial of humanitarian aid has caused mass starvation and a severe lack of essential medical services.

Reports of people being shot while attempting to access food were described as “shocking” and a violation of international humanitarian law.

“The Israeli government must immediately lift all restrictions on the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance,” the statement said, adding that the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East should be allowed to resume its mission as mandated by the UN.

The MFA stressed that all civilians, particularly those seeking humanitarian supplies, must be protected and warned that permanent forced displacement would constitute another breach of international law.

Singapore also reiterated its call for Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.

It emphasised that a negotiated two-state solution remains the only viable path for Israelis and Palestinians to coexist in peace, security, and dignity.

“The current trajectory will only make this eventual goal even harder to achieve and condemn both sides to an endless cycle of mutual hatred and violence,” MFA said.

Growing global pressure on Israel

Singapore’s statement comes as international pressure mounts on Israel to end its military campaign.

On 21 July, a coalition of 28 countries and the European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management issued a joint statement demanding an immediate ceasefire.

The statement condemned what it called the “inhumane killing” of Palestinian civilians, including more than 800 people reportedly killed near food distribution points.

Signatories included Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Foreign ministers criticised Israel’s aid delivery model, saying it fuels instability and deprives Palestinians of dignity.

They singled out the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—an aid mechanism backed by the United States and Israel—citing that most civilian deaths occurred near its sites.

“The Israeli government’s aid delivery model is dangerous, fuels instability, and deprives Gazans of human dignity,” the ministers said, describing the humanitarian situation as “horrifying”.

The coalition added that it was “prepared to take further action to support an immediate ceasefire and a political pathway to security and peace”.

Among the 28 nations were four members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance: the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Singapore’s Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Faishal Ibrahim, expressed support for the international call on 23 July.

“I fully share their urgency for the sake of humanity,” he said in a Facebook post, reiterating Singapore’s long-standing stance for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.

“The violence cannot go on. It’s time to stop the suffering and work towards peace and dignity for everyone,” he added.

Israel rejects joint statement, blames Hamas for prolonging conflict

Israel dismissed the joint statement, calling it “disconnected from reality”.

In a statement on X on 21 July, its foreign ministry accused Hamas of being solely responsible for prolonging the conflict.

“All statements and claims should be directed at the only party responsible for the lack of a deal for the release of hostages and a ceasefire: Hamas,” the ministry said.

It added that Israel had repeatedly agreed to ceasefire proposals, which Hamas “stubbornly refuses to accept”.

Israel alleged that Hamas is “deliberately acting to increase friction and harm civilians who come to receive humanitarian aid” and warned that such declarations “send the wrong message to Hamas”.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israel’s military operations have killed more than 59,100 Palestinians, mostly civilians, including at least 17,400 children. At least 142,511 people have been injured.

The conflict erupted after Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, according to Israeli government figures.