November 5, 2025
RAMALLAH – Singapore has donated US$500,000 (S$652,000) to the World Food Programme (WFP) for its emergency operations in Gaza, the latest in a series of efforts by the Republic to ease the suffering of affected civilians.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Nov 4 witnessed the handover of a cheque to the WFP on behalf of the Singapore Government at the Republic’s representative office in Ramallah.
“Singapore extends our deepest appreciation to the WFP and your staff for the extraordinary courage and your sense of humanity to reach out to those most in need, regardless of the dangers,” he said.
“You bring not only food, but more importantly, dignity and hope that they are not forgotten, and that there are people outside who care for them.
“The WFP and other key relief agencies will continue to be needed even as the international community prepares for the immense challenges of rebuilding Gaza once a permanent ceasefire is reached.”
Dr Balakrishnan is on a visit to the Palestinian Territories and Israel, following the recent implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
In a speech at the handover ceremony, he said that the WFP’s work has been critical in supporting people in Gaza, and added that Singapore will do its part to support the organisation, a branch of the UN and one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, in its mission to fight hunger and bring hope to people in crisis.
He also said that for the first time in “a very difficult few years”, there is a glimmer of hope with the ceasefire agreement, and a chance not just for Gazans to rebuild homes, but also to bring hope for the future of an entire generation.
“We call on all parties, all stakeholders, to seize this opportunity to reach an agreement for the next phase and to comply strictly and fully with the terms of the ceasefire,” he said.
“The suffering of civilians in Gaza – especially women and children – has gone on for far too long.”
He added: “Singapore is a tiny city-state in South-east Asia, we’re about 8,000km away from Gaza. Our hearts are not distant. The events which have unfolded in Gaza have made a deep impact on many Singaporeans.”
Ms Shireen Shelleh, honorary director of the Singapore representative office in Ramallah, said the donation sends a powerful message that Singapore and its people are thinking of the people in Gaza, and are standing in solidarity with them.
“The situation is still horrible and very devastating. However, any support can really help the Gazans, to some extent, sustain and try to find their way to (rebuild) their country, as well as their life back – to bring their life back to normal,” Ms Shireen said.
Also at the handover ceremony were the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian, General Personnel Council chairman Musa Abu Zaid, and Singapore’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority Hawazi Daipi, who handed over the cheque to Ms Jane Waite, head of programmes of WFP for Palestine.
Singapore’s latest donation follows the 10 tranches of humanitarian aid for Gaza worth more than $24 million that the Republic and Singaporeans have contributed.
Dr Balakrishnan added that beyond immediate relief, Singapore is committed to helping to build a foundation for a better future for all Palestinians and to support them in preparation for Palestine’s eventual statehood.
“Singapore’s friendship with the Palestinian Authority is deep, and we are committed to doing more – together,” he said.
Under a $10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, more than 800 Palestinian officials have been trained in Singapore in fields such as public administration, public health, governance and economic management.
Dr Balakrishnan announced that Singapore will organise two additional courses on digital economy and digital entrepreneurship in 2026, at the PA’s request, under the package.
These courses will strengthen the authority’s capacity to administer effectively and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and development, he said.
They are in addition to two other earlier announced initiatives that Singapore will launch in 2026 – a course on community policing in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and a programme for young and emerging Palestinian leaders.
Dr Balakrishnan also reiterated Singapore’s support for a negotiated two-state solution that is consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The road ahead will not be easy, he stressed.
“But… this is the only viable pathway to a comprehensive, just and durable solution to this longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” he said.
“And as a friend to both sides, Singapore hopes one day, we will see Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.”
Prior to the handover on Nov 4, Dr Balakrishnan met PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan (left) meeting Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on Nov 4. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES
He also had meetings with Dr Aghabekian and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Estephan Salameh.
Dr Balakrishnan is scheduled to meet with other Palestinian and Israeli officials during his visit this week.