International
Gilbert Goh announces humanitarian mission to Lebanon, continues support for Gaza aid
Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh is heading to Lebanon for a humanitarian mission, while maintaining aid activities in Gaza. Goh plans to support those lacking access to food and shelter amidst ongoing conflict. He has outlined transparency measures, including legal arrangements for the Gaza Aid fund.
Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh announced on Tuesday (8 Oct), that he would travel to Lebanon to provide humanitarian aid amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.
Having just arrived in the country in the evening, he is expected to stay until 19 November.
Goh’s mission aims to assist those lacking access to essential resources, such as food and shelter. He emphasised that, despite his absence, aid operations in Gaza, which have been ongoing for the past nine months, will continue.
Goh outlined that ongoing efforts in Gaza include food kitchens, an orphanage sponsorship programme, and projects for water supply and solar energy.
He stated, “Everything inside Gaza will still continue while I am in Lebanon,” affirming that the mission in Lebanon will not disrupt existing commitments. The Gaza Aid fund maintains a monthly budget of US$100,000, with additional expenses as necessary for projects such as solar energy.
Addressing funding for the Lebanese mission, Goh indicated that he does not plan to solicit additional donations specifically for Lebanon, instead drawing from a surplus of US$2 million in the fund’s reserves.
He added, “Of course, if you wish to donate to Lebanon aid, we will deeply appreciate the kind gesture.”
Goh has taken measures to ensure the continuity and legitimacy of his humanitarian efforts. He revealed that he has engaged a lawyer, who will offer pro bono services to draft a will.
Should anything happen to him, the funds in his account would be transferred to public trustees for distribution toward the Gaza aid efforts. This step, he stated, is part of his effort to maintain transparency and accountability in managing donor contributions.
In Singapore, Goh has sought to formalise his humanitarian activities by applying for registration with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
However, the process has faced delays, with Goh noting that it has been six months without a response despite multiple reminders. He maintains regular communication with the Commissioner of Charities (COC), and meets personally with officials when he returns to Singapore to provide updates on how the funds are managed.
“We want to be legitimate and transparent so that Singaporeans can donate safely for a humanitarian cause without restraint,” Goh said, stressing the importance of accountability in his operations. He also asked for support and prayers for his safety while in Lebanon, where he noted that bombing raids remain frequent.
The situation in Lebanon has been tense since October of the previous year, when Hezbollah began military actions against Israel in solidarity with Hamas, which had launched attacks from Gaza on 7 October.
The conflict has since escalated, with Israel conducting targeted ground incursions into southern Lebanon following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last month.
As a result, over 1,400 people have been killed in Lebanon, and more than 1.2 million displaced, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
Hezbollah’s actions have been framed as part of its broader support for Hamas, but recent remarks from Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem omitted a call for a ceasefire in Gaza as a condition for peace in Lebanon.
Despite this, the situation remains volatile, with regular exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the border.
Goh’s focus during his mission will be on those who remain vulnerable, including those who have been displaced but are not yet receiving assistance.
He pointed out that while many displaced individuals are sheltered by local NGOs in schools and institutions, “our chief concern is those out in the streets,” who lack access to basic necessities.
He expressed hope that, with support from his community, he can address this gap during his time in Lebanon.
Reflecting on the scale of the challenge and the potential impact of his efforts, Goh stated, “We are looking for gaps to fill in this second major humanitarian crisis in the Middle East after Gaza… even though we are a small country, we only have one life, let’s live it meaningfully.”
Goh’s mission comes amid a broader humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, as international agencies and local NGOs struggle to meet the needs of those affected by ongoing violence in both Gaza and Lebanon. As he undertakes this new effort, Goh continues to invite feedback from his supporters in Singapore, reiterating his commitment to transparency and effective use of resources
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