Israeli military response gone ‘too far’; Singapore to donate more aid to Gaza, foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan says

While Singapore recognises Israel’s right to self-defence, its military response in Gaza has gone ‘too far’ said Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan

Balakrishnan announced that Singapore will also send a third tranche of aid to help civilians in the Palestinian territory

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Singapore will be donating a third tranche of aid to the Palestinian territory via Jordan, minister Vivian Balakrishnan said. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:08pm, 29 Feb 2024Updated: 7:45pm, 29 Feb 2024

While Singapore recognises Israel’s right to self-defence, its military response has gone “too far”, and the catastrophic situation in Gaza that has resulted from it demands “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, said Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on Thursday.

Speaking in parliament during a debate on his ministry’s spending, Balakrishnan added that Singapore would be donating a third tranche of aid to the Palestinian territory via Jordan.

This aid follows two tranches of life-saving aid, which were sent via Egypt in November, about a month after Israel launched its war against Hamas there, following an attack by the latter.

Balakrishnan also said that in spite of calls by some people to do so, Singapore would not sever diplomatic ties with Israel and recall its ambassador, as these moves would not resolve the situation.

“Ceremonially breaking ties with countries every time we disapprove of their actions, in my view, that’s not constructive,” he said.

“Whatever we say or do diplomatically will not change the situation on the ground nor, I will add, will it influence Israel to suddenly change its policy, or will it necessarily immediately reduce the suffering on the Palestinians.”