Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim offered a deeply personal view on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Speaking at the sidelines of a sending-off event at Changi Airport for Haj pilgrims, Dr Faishal described the suffering of Palestinian civilians in the occupied territories, including children, as “unbearable”.
He noted that Zulhijjah traditionally centres on the pilgrimage to Mecca, recent developments in the Middle East has seen the focus shift towards the situation in Gaza.
Dr Faishal said that he agreed with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s view in a recent op-ed in the Israeli newspaper, Haaretz that Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza.
“It pains me to say this, considering Israel’s contributions to Singapore in our early years. But I think we need to be frank. I fear an increasing number of people worldwide will agree with Mr Olmert, including myself.” Said Dr Faishal.
Dr Faishal was answering a media query on PM Lawrence Wong’s remarks the day before at a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Israel’s response has gone too far, and its actions have caused terrible humanitarian disaster; and the restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable,” said PM Wong. “In our opinion, it may even be a likely breach of international humanitarian law. So it cannot be justified.”
The Singapore government has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire to the conflict, the protection of civilian lives, return of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid delivery.
The only solution to long term peace
Beyond the immediate crisis, Singapore has maintained its long-held support for the Palestinian people’s right to their own homeland.
PM Wong reiterated that this must occur “as part of a negotiated two-state solution, because that is the only way for a comprehensive, just and durable solution to this long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.”
In July 2024, Minister Balakrishnan detailed Singapore’s long-standing principles regarding the Israeli-Palestinian relationship in Parliament.
Singapore consistently advocates for a negotiated two-state solution, aligning with UN resolutions, believing it the only viable path for peace and security for both peoples. Our vote at the UN General Assembly in May 2024 showed Singapore’s preparedness in principle to recognise Palestine.
Crucially, Minister Balakrishnan explained, formal recognition depends on whether it advances peace and a negotiated two-state solution.
Singapore focuses on being “quietly, discreetly, constructively helpful” to the people being affected at a humanitarian level, while not engaging in performative gestures or adding “fuel to the fire” in this long-standing conflict.
