Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: AFP

Singapore has spoken out strongly against Israel for stopping humanitarian aid from reaching people in Gaza. The country said that this act goes against international humanitarian law and is causing terrible suffering for innocent people living there.

What Did Singapore Say?

On Thursday, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) released a statement calling Israel’s military actions against Gaza “unconscionable,” which means extremely shocking and unacceptable. The ministry asked for an immediate ceasefire so that the suffering of civilians could stop.

A spokesperson from MFA said, “The prolonged suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza arising from the excessive Israeli military reaction to the terror attacks of Hamas since October 7, 2023, is unconscionable. Israel must comply with its international humanitarian obligations.”

This means Singapore believes that although Hamas attacked Israel first, Israel’s response has been too strong and is now harming normal people who have nothing to do with the fighting.

The Suffering in Gaza

The spokesperson explained that stopping humanitarian aid from entering Gaza has led to mass starvation. Many people do not have food to eat, and there is a severe lack of basic medical services for those who are sick or injured.

“There are reports of people being shot while they are desperately trying to get food. This is shocking,” said the spokesperson. They further added that such actions are a clear violation of international humanitarian law, which protects civilians during times of war.

Forced Displacement Also A Violation

The spokesperson also said that forcing people to permanently leave their homes is another violation of humanitarian law. Many people in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes due to bombings and attacks. They have no idea when they can return home or if they ever will.

Thursday’s statement by Singapore marks the first time it has openly described Israel’s actions as a violation of international humanitarian law. Before this, Singapore was careful with its words, but now it has criticised Israel.

What Did Singapore’s Prime Minister Say?

Earlier, on May 30, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had spoken about this issue. He said that Israel’s restrictions on aid were a “likely breach of international humanitarian law.”

He also added, “Israel’s response has gone too far and its actions have caused a terrible humanitarian disaster. The restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable.”

Singapore’s Appeal to Both Sides

Singapore is asking Israel to lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid. It wants Israel to allow UNRWA, which is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, to continue its operations in Gaza without any problems. UNRWA provides food, education, and health services to thousands of people in Gaza.

At the same time, Singapore has also called on Hamas to release all hostages immediately and without any conditions. This shows that Singapore does not support either side’s violence but wants both to act responsibly.

The Need for a Two-State Solution

In its statement, Singapore once again said that the only way to bring lasting peace is through a two-state solution. This means that both Israel and Palestine should become separate countries, living side by side in peace, security, and dignity.

The spokesperson said, “The current trajectory of events will only make this eventual goal even more difficult to achieve, and condemn both Israelis and Palestinians to an endless cycle of mutual hatred and violence.”

This means if the fighting continues, it will be almost impossible to create peace in the future, and both sides will keep suffering for generations.

Why Is This News Important?

This news is important because it shows that countries around the world, like Singapore, are worried about the situation in Gaza. Innocent people are dying or suffering without food and medical care. Children, women, and elderly people are the worst affected. Many of them do not have homes to live in and are staying in temporary shelters.

Singapore rarely speaks so openly about international conflicts, but its strong words show how serious the situation has become. The world is watching what Israel and Hamas are doing, and many leaders are asking both sides to stop fighting and think about the lives of normal people.

What Is Happening In Gaza?

Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, the Israeli army has been carrying out strong military actions in Gaza to target Hamas fighters. However, these attacks have also affected civilians badly. Buildings have been destroyed, hospitals are overcrowded, and many people have no food or clean water.

Humanitarian groups have been trying to send food, medicine, and clean water to Gaza, but Israel’s restrictions have made it very difficult. This is why Singapore has said that denying humanitarian aid is a violation of international law.

What Is International Humanitarian Law?

International humanitarian law is a set of rules that protects people who are not fighting in wars, like civilians, doctors, and aid workers. It also protects prisoners of war. These laws say that countries must allow food and medical help to reach civilians during wartime.

When a country stops aid from reaching civilians, it is breaking these laws. This is what Singapore is accusing Israel of doing.

What Happens Next?

Singapore’s strong statement will add to the pressure on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Many other countries have also called for a ceasefire and for both sides to start peace talks.

People around the world hope that the leaders of Israel and Hamas will listen to these calls and think about the innocent people who are suffering. Everyone wants the fighting to stop so that children can go back to school, families can live in their homes safely, and hospitals can treat patients without fear.

Singapore has taken a clear stand against the suffering of civilians in Gaza. By calling Israel’s actions a violation of international humanitarian law, it has sent a strong message to the world. The country continues to support a two-state solution as the only way to bring peace and end the endless cycle of violence and hatred.