Singapore donates US$500,000 to World Food Programme for Gaza relief

Singapore has donated US$500,000 (S$652,000) to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support its emergency operations in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan witnessed the handover of the cheque on 4 November at Singapore’s representative office in Ramallah.

Speaking at the ceremony, Balakrishnan expressed appreciation for the WFP’s work, noting that it brings not only food but also dignity and hope to those in need.

“Singapore extends our deepest appreciation to the WFP and your staff for the extraordinary courage and your sense of humanity to reach out to those most in need, regardless of the dangers,” he said.

“The WFP and other key relief agencies will continue to be needed even as the international community prepares for the immense challenges of rebuilding Gaza once a permanent ceasefire is reached.”

Shireen Shelleh, honorary director of Singapore’s representative office in Ramallah, said the donation demonstrates Singapore’s solidarity with the people of Gaza.

“The situation is still horrible and very devastating. However, any support can really help the Gazans sustain and try to rebuild their country, as well as their lives,” she said.

Present at the handover ceremony were Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian, General Personnel Council chairman Musa Abu Zaid, and Singapore’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority Hawazi Daipi.

The cheque was handed to Jane Waite, head of programmes for WFP in Palestine.

Singapore’s latest contribution follows 10 tranches of humanitarian aid for Gaza worth over S$24 million, provided by both the government and Singaporeans through regional partners such as Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus, or via air drops conducted by the Singapore Armed Forces.

Long-Term Support for Palestinian Development

Beyond immediate relief, Singapore remains committed to supporting long-term development in Palestine.

Under a US$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, more than 800 Palestinian officials have been trained in Singapore in areas such as public administration, public health, governance, and economic management.

Balakrishnan announced that two additional courses on the digital economy and digital entrepreneurship will be organised in 2026.

These will complement previously announced initiatives, including a community policing course in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and a programme for young Palestinian leaders.

He reiterated Singapore’s support for a negotiated two-state solution and a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“The road ahead will not be easy. But this is the only viable pathway to a comprehensive, just and durable solution. Singapore hopes one day we will see Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security,” he said.

Love Aid Singapore’s Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza

Separately, Singapore-based NGO Love Aid Singapore has also been actively supporting Palestinians through humanitarian programmes in Gaza.

Founded by activist Gilbert Goh, the organisation has been providing aid and operating a Singaporean-funded food kitchen for more than 650 days.

In October, it purchased four tonnes of rice and other essential supplies for distribution.

In its latest update, the organisation said it is honoured to be part of the WFP food cluster distributing essential aid in Gaza—one of a small number of international NGOs selected for the programme.

Love Aid Singapore has also established a tent school providing basic education for children, and runs an Orphan Sponsorship Programme supporting 500 orphans from the Al Bureji refugee camp. Each orphan receives 100 shekels (S$40), funded through pooled contributions from Singaporean donors.

On healthcare, the NGO has built a Singaporean-funded polyclinic serving Palestinian medical needs and distributes infant formula to babies.

To date, Love Aid Singapore has raised S$6.3 million, of which S$3.1 million has been utilised, with the remaining S$3.2 million pending disbursement. The organisation operates entirely on donations from ordinary Singaporeans and receives no Government funding.

The clear identification of beneficiaries stands in contrast to Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan’s remarks in Parliament on 22 September 2025, where—after outlining 10 tranches of Singapore’s humanitarian assistance to Gaza—he said he “cannot attest to what happens once it gets into Gaza.”