Love Aid Singapore cease partnership with International Relief Organisation due to legal issues in Germany

SINGAPORE: Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh, founder of Love Aid Singapore, has announced the immediate cessation of collaboration with the NGO International Relief Organisation (IRO).

This decision follows IRO’s involvement in a court case with German authorities concerning allegations of incitement. Goh announced this update via Love Aid Singapore's Instagram on Friday (18 Oct).

In consultation with the Commissioner of Charities (COC), Goh stated, “We have decided to cease collaboration with our partner NGO in Gaza, International Relief Organisation, with immediate effect.”

The Palestinian NGO, registered in Germany, is facing legal challenges due to politically charged postings made by its head, which have drawn scrutiny from German authorities.

Germany's position regarding the conflict has been notable, as it has consistently supported Israel's military actions.

Reports from Anadolu Agency on Monday (14 Oct) indicated that Germany reiterated its support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, despite rising civilian casualties.

German Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer stated, “We see no signs that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza,” during a press briefing in Berlin.

His comments followed airstrikes by Israeli warplanes on tents housing displaced Palestinians near Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, resulting in multiple civilian deaths and injuries.

Fischer also dismissed media claims suggesting that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had blocked weapons exports to Israel, emphasizing that Germany's stance had not changed.

He noted, “We have spoken here often, we have presented this before the International Court of Justice, the minister has spoken out, and our position has not changed.”

Last year, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth 326.5 million euros (US$363.5 million), although approvals dropped significantly this year, totaling only 14.5 million euros (US$15.7 million) from January to 21 August.

Amid these developments, Goh emphasized that Love Aid Singapore, as a humanitarian outreach group, strives to remain neutral in political matters despite its pro-Palestinian stance.

“We are here to help the Palestinians with our humanitarian work and, if possible, avoid any political trappings as a result of our stand,” he explained.

In light of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Love Aid Singapore has submitted an application to the COC for a new NGO—a humanitarian entity with established contacts in Gaza.

Goh has requested an expedited review of this application, expressing hope that the new collaboration can commence swiftly.

“We hope to begin work by next week in Gaza with the new charity group,” he stated.

The organization plans to gradually transfer all initiatives from IRO to the new group to ensure that Gaza Aid charity work continues without interruption.

“Nothing will be shortchanged; everything will resume as much as possible, if not all,” Goh reassured supporters.

Despite the challenges presented by this setback, Goh remains committed to providing aid to the suffering Palestinians in Gaza.

Since Israel launched its war against Hamas in Gaza last October, over 42,200 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 99,000 have been injured, predominantly women and children.

According to the United Nations, Israel has also prohibited the entry of food and essential supplies into Northern Gaza since October, putting 1 million people at risk of starvation.