Israel-Hamas war: Singapore leaders extend condolences in wake of Gaza hospital blast
The Singapore government contributed S$300,000 in humanitarian aid in response to the crisis in Gaza
SINGAPORE —Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan have expressed their condolences to their Palestinian counterparts on Wednesday (18 Oct) following a blast at a hospital in Gaza.
The explosion at Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital on Tuesday marked the deadliest single incident in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming the lives of hundreds of Palestinians.
In a letter addressed to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, Prime Minister Lee conveyed his deep sadness over the "dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the loss of Palestinian civilian lives, including the tragic toll at the Ahli Arab Hospital".
He extended Singapore's "deep condolences" to the grieving families and called on all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law, prioritising the safety and security of civilians.
Prime Minister Lee also told Dr Shtayyeh that the Singaporean government had contributed S$300,000 toward humanitarian aid in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Tharman expresses concern over the situation
President Tharman, in his letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, expressed his concern about the "dire humanitarian situation" in Gaza and the immense loss of lives and suffering endured by innocent civilians.
"These have arisen from Israeli military operations in response to the attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October," he added.
He extended the deepest sympathies of the people of Singapore to the wounded and the bereaved families.
"Singapore urges all parties to do their utmost to protect the safety and security of civilians, abide by international humanitarian law, and allow for the urgent delivery of aid to the affected civilians in the Gaza Strip," Tharman added.
In his communication with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Riad Al Malki, Foreign Affairs Minister Balakrishnan wrote that he was "extremely saddened by the mounting civilian toll in the Gaza Strip" in the aftermath of the hospital blast.
He also extended his deepest condolences to the affected families and expressed concern about the "increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip".
Dr Balakrishnan mentioned the efforts by the Singapore government, the Singapore Red Cross, and the people of Singapore to raise funds for humanitarian support in Gaza.
He also said Singapore endorsed international calls for urgent humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.
Singapore reiterates calls for a two-state solution
All three leaders also reiterated Singapore's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasising the necessity of a negotiated two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully and securely.
Prime Minister Lee articulated this position, saying, "A negotiated two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelis living side-by-side in peace and security is the only viable way to break the repeated cycles of violence. I hope all parties will find ways to achieve this vision, consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions."
President Tharman expressed his hope that all concerned parties would "find a way to work towards this critical goal."
Dr Balakrishnan also highlighted Singapore's belief that a negotiated two-state solution, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, "is essential for a durable, just and comprehensive solution to this long standing conflict."
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