August 2, 2024
SINGAPORE – Singapore is “deeply concerned” about recent developments in the Middle East, including the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, who was involved in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
In a statement on Aug 1, MFA said: “This puts at risk efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement that would allow for the release of all hostages and facilitate humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.
“Singapore calls on all parties to take de-escalatory steps to avoid exacerbating tensions and a wider regional conflagration.”
Haniyeh was assassinated on the morning of July 31 in Iran, resulting in an uproar against Israel.
The attack is assumed to have been carried out by Israel, reported Reuters, but no one has claimed responsibility for it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has said it would not make any comment on the killing.
Haniyeh’s death was confirmed by Hamas and Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
The latest events appeared to set back chances of any imminent ceasefire agreement in the 10-month-old war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas’ armed wing said in a statement that Haniyeh’s killing would “take the battle to new dimensions and have major repercussions”.