April 9, 2025
SINGAPORE – Singapore remains gravely concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, calling for civilian infrastructure and medical workers to be protected amid the worsening situation.
In a written parliamentary reply to questions from five MPs on April 8, Dr Balakrishnan also urged Israel to facilitate the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza without using it as a “bargaining chip”, and called on Hamas to release all remaining hostages.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, as aid has not been allowed since March 2.
He stressed how Singapore has consistently called for all parties in the conflict to comply with international law, and ensure that civilians are kept out of harm’s way.
“Civilian infrastructure including medical facilities, as well as medical workers, must be accorded due protection. We call on Israel to facilitate the resumption of critical life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza. Such aid must not be used as a bargaining chip,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
Singapore also calls on Hamas to release all remaining hostages “immediately and unconditionally”, he said.
Dr Balakrishanan added: “We urge all parties to resume negotiations and make progress towards a permanent ceasefire.”
His remarks came in response to questions from both sides of the House on the implications of renewed hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
The conflict in the Middle East has flared up again after a ceasefire broke down in early March, leading to Israeli strikes that have reportedly destroyed hospitals and killed humanitarian workers.
On March 23, Israeli forces in Gaza killed 15 Palestinian emergency workers, with autopsies showing they were shot with the intent to kill. The emergency workers were from the Red Cross, the Palestinian Red Crescent, the United Nations and the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that Singapore remains gravely concerned over the continued loss of civilian life and internal displacement of Palestinians.
He reaffirmed Singapore’s consistent stance that all parties must comply with international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians.
Singapore is working closely with regional partners to assess the possibility of deploying further medical assistance by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The Defence Ministry had earlier indicated that the SAF was exploring plans to provide additional medical support.
Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin (Ang Mo Kio GRC) had asked about safety considerations surrounding the deployment of Singaporean medical personnel and the continued delivery of humanitarian aid.
Dr Balakrishnan said the Foreign Ministry had been in close communication with the Mercy Relief team during their mission to the West Bank in March 2025. He also noted that the team comprises seasoned professionals who are well-versed in delivering aid under difficult and high-risk conditions.
“I commend them for their efforts to help Palestinians on behalf of Singapore,” he said.
Workers’ Party MP Dennis Tan (Hougang) had asked about the viability of Singapore’s medical assistance in Gaza, as well as whether transporting Palestinian civilians who require more complex medical procedures to Singapore’s medical facilities for treatment is a viable alternative.
“We have not received any requests on transporting Palestinian patients who may need more complex care to Singapore to date, but such requests would have to be carefully assessed, taking into account the relevant medical risk factors especially those associated with long distance transport of patients needing complex care, and treatment options,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang GRC) also asked about Singapore’s plans for humanitarian aid. Dr Balakrishnan said that while Israeli restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza are in place, the Republic has continued to explore ways to deliver assistance with its Middle Eastern partners.
“We will also look to contribute towards supporting post-conflict recovery efforts in partnership with the United Nations and others in the region. The needs in Gaza will be significant and Singapore will do our part to help.
MPs like Mr Faisal Manap (Aljunied GRC) from WP and Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC) had asked about Singapore’s role in ceasefire efforts, and Dr Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution that is consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Dr Balakrishnan also reiterated that Singapore’s positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are clear – including the need to uphold international law, particularly international humanitarian law; to avoid unilateral actions that could obstruct progress towards peace; and to ensure the protection of civilians.
Singapore will continue to vote in support of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions that are consistent with its principled positions, Dr Balakrishnan said.
But he added that the country will also have to be “circumspect” and recognise its limitations in influencing the outcome of the war, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“It falls ultimately on the leaders on both sides to find the political will, courage and imagination to resume negotiations to resolving this longstanding conflict, difficult as it may be,” he said.
He highlighted Asean’s unified stance on the issue, highlighting how the bloc’s foreign ministers had, earlier in 2025, reaffirmed their longstanding support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to their homeland.
Dr Balakrishnan also thanked Singaporeans for contributing generously to humanitarian relief. He encouraged donations through established organisations like the Singapore Red Cross and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation.
“We encourage everyone to continue supporting local fundraising efforts by reputable organisations such as the Singapore Red Cross and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, which have extensive experience in working with a wide network of credible and reliable partners to effectively deliver critical aid on the ground,” he said.