Singaporean groups urge foreign minister to expedite recognition of Palestine

A coalition of concerned citizens and organisations in Singapore has written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, urging the government to expedite the formal recognition of the State of Palestine. This request follows a statement by the Singaporean government on 2 July 2024, expressing its readiness to recognise the Palestinian state “at an appropriate time.” The coalition believes that such recognition is timely, particularly in light of recent developments and ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region. The letter highlights the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of 19 July 2024, which declared Israel’s occupation of the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem as unlawful. According to the coalition, the ICJ decision reinforces the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and obliges countries to refuse to recognise any illegal changes to the occupied territories. They argue that Singapore’s recognition of Palestine would affirm the country's respect for international law and its commitment to a rules-based global order.

Rationale for Expedited Recognition

The letter outlines several reasons why the coalition believes immediate recognition is necessary. Firstly, it argues that Singapore’s decision would demonstrate a commitment to upholding international legal norms, especially as Singapore has long advocated for a rules-based international system. According to the coalition, formal recognition of Palestine would align with the ICJ's call for the global community to support Palestinian rights and end unlawful occupation practices. Secondly, the coalition emphasises that Singapore’s recognition of Palestine would strengthen the two-state solution, a framework the country has consistently supported. They note that negotiations between Israel and Palestine have stalled since 2014, and recent actions, including the Israeli Prime Minister’s presentation of a map excluding the West Bank, have further strained prospects for peaceful dialogue. The coalition argues that waiting for Israel to return to negotiations should not delay the recognition of Palestine, as ongoing violence in the region underscores the urgency of the issue.

Aligning with Global Consensus

The coalition points out that over 140 countries have already recognised Palestine, suggesting that Singapore’s recognition would align with the global majority. They argue that this move would position Singapore as a principled advocate for peace and justice, reinforcing its diplomatic standing on the international stage. Moreover, recognising Palestine would demonstrate Singapore’s support for international cooperation, which has been a central aspect of its foreign policy.

Addressing Humanitarian Concerns

The ongoing humanitarian situation in Palestinian territories is another critical aspect highlighted by the coalition. The letter references ongoing suffering in Gaza and the West Bank, including reports of settler violence and significant civilian casualties. The coalition describes this as a pressing humanitarian crisis, with concerns about potential genocide as raised by both the ICJ and the United Nations Human Rights Council. By recognising the State of Palestine, the coalition suggests that Singapore would take a stance consistent with its values of human rights, fairness, and equality.

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations

The coalition also believes that the recognition of Palestine could enhance Singapore’s diplomatic and economic relations with Palestine and other nations in the international community. They assert that this move would underline Singapore’s position as a respected voice in advocating for global peace and human rights. In their view, such a decision would contribute to a broader effort to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and support regional stability.

Conclusion and Call for Action

In the letter, the coalition expresses confidence that recognising the State of Palestine would bolster Singapore’s reputation as a nation committed to fairness and international law. They urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to act swiftly, given the escalating violence and humanitarian concerns in the region. They believe that the time for action is now, as Singapore’s recent statements and the ICJ ruling provide a clear basis for formal recognition. Signatories to the letter include several notable organisations, such as the Centre for Interfaith Understanding, Echoes of Gaza, and SG Climate Rally, alongside individual advocates like former People's Action Party Members of Parliament Zainal Sapari and Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar; former Nominated Members of Parliament Dr Kanwaljit Soin, Anthea Ong, Braema Mathi, Dr Geh Min, and Kok Heng Leun; as well as historian Thum Ping Tjin. The coalition’s appeal underscores a significant segment of Singapore’s civil society advocating for a proactive approach in support of Palestinian statehood. The letter concludes by urging the Singaporean government to reflect its values of balanced diplomacy and justice in this decision. It requests a prompt plan for recognition, emphasising that such a step would align with Singapore’s longstanding dedication to international peace and the rule of law. The coalition looks forward to a considered response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 146 of the 193 United Nations (UN) member states have recognized the State of Palestine. Read the Letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs here.