March 4, 2025
SINGAPORE – While the ongoing Gaza conflict has strong emotional resonance here, especially in the Malay-Muslim community, it should not be politicised or used to divide Singaporeans, said Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman.
It is not productive for Singapore to take a stronger stance against Israel, he added.
In his speech in Parliament on March 3, Dr Maliki noted that some Singaporeans have called for the Republic to go beyond providing humanitarian assistance to Gaza. During the debate on his ministry’s budget, this question was also asked by MPs including Mr Sharael Taha (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) and Nominated MP Neil Parekh.
“Some have asked why Singapore does not sever all ties with Israel, and they want Singapore to impose unilateral sanctions on it, in support of Palestine,” he said. “However, the Government feels this is not the most productive approach.”
Instead, Singapore believes in keeping lines of communication open to engage, rather than isolate any party.
Dr Maliki added that Singapore’s approach to foreign policy is consistent and longstanding. He said: “We act based on what is in our national interests. It is not based on us choosing one side over another.”
Keeping communication lines open
Both Dr Maliki and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said during the debate that Singapore has made clear to the Israelis that Israel’s military response in Gaza has gone too far.
Singapore’s stance has been that countries have the right of self-defence, but their actions must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law.
But the Republic’s decision to preserve diplomatic ties with Israel has allowed it to candidly share views on the conflict with Israeli leaders and to get aid into Gaza, Dr Maliki said.
“We must remain clear-eyed and not allow our emotions to dictate the manner in which Singapore conducts our foreign policy, either on this conflict or on any other international issues,” he added.
He noted that all Arab states with diplomatic ties with Israel prior to the attacks on Oct 7, 2023, have not severed ties with the country.
Dr Maliki said he met several Arab ministers during recent visits to Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, adding that they see the need to resolve the longstanding conflict through a two-state solution, and the guarantee of security for both sides.
“They also believe that we need to keep the lines of communication with the Israelis and Palestinians open,” he added.
Dr Maliki said these states have focused on active diplomacy and, through humanitarian aid, have taken constructive steps to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
“These countries, and Singapore too, have taken this position because engagement, rather than isolation, is the best path forward to keep the prospects of a two-state solution alive for Israel and Palestine.”
Realistic about role Singapore can play in conflict
During the debate, Mr Sharael asked what more Singapore can do to support humanitarian relief, reconstruction and diplomatic efforts for stability and peace, while Mr Parekh asked if Singapore could play a more expanded role, leveraging on its diplomatic standing to encourage restraint and dialogue.
Dr Maliki responded that Singapore is “realistic” about the role it can play.
A breakthrough in Israel-Palestine relations will be possible only if leaders on both sides have the will and courage to set aside differences, and make progress and concessions to arrive at a two-state solution, he said.
Singapore has consistently advocated for a negotiated two-state solution – one consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions – as the only long-term answer to the conflict.
The Republic has also made clear its longstanding support for the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland of their own. It is also prepared in principle to recognise Palestine as a state, and will do so when appropriate.
Dr Maliki noted that the multi-phase ceasefire agreement that kicked off on Jan 19 provides a “ray of hope for the people of Gaza towards the peace that they dream of”. The first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce drew to a close on March 1, after six weeks.
But he also said that Singapore is deeply concerned over Israel’s latest decision to block the entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip.
Dr Balakrishnan, responding to a question from Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang GRC) on Singapore’s experience delivering aid, noted that for a combination of reasons, it has been difficult for aid to reach the people in Gaza.
Besides the Israelis clamping down on aid convoys to make sure they do not contain items or equipment that Israel considers to have potential civilian or military “dual use”, there are also safety concerns for aid workers when the convoys are “mobbed”, he said.
“To the extent that our voice is heard, we will add to the chorus that says it is in Israel’s interest to make sure it flows to the people who need help,” he added.
In his speech, Dr Maliki said Singapore continues to urge the Israelis and Palestinians to resume direct negotiations and refrain from any unilateral actions, especially violence, which would be unhelpful to the peace process.
In the meantime, he said Singapore can channel its focus and resources “in a productive manner” towards humanitarian assistance.
Singapore has contributed more than $19 million to Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023, with seven tranches of humanitarian assistance sent to Gaza over the past 15 months.
“Singapore will continue to do what we can to contribute bilaterally and in partnership with others in the Middle East,” said Dr Maliki.
Beyond humanitarian aid, he noted that the Republic is also contributing to the Palestinian Authority’s capacity-building efforts.
“We hope that in redoubling our efforts to provide technical assistance to the Palestinian people, that this will contribute towards their preparation for eventual statehood,” he said.
- Anjali Raguraman is a correspondent at The Straits Times. She covers politics, as well as consumer stories spanning tourism, retail and F&B.