Jalan Besar residents question MP Josephine Teo on Gaza and border policies

SINGAPORE: Two residents of Jalan Besar GRC, identified as DC and SM, attended a Meet-the-People Session (MPS) on 18 November to voice concerns about Singapore’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Despite an emotional and detailed discussion, MP Josephine Teo, who is also the Second Minister for Home Affairs, allegedly offered no concrete responses.

Instead, it is said that she promised to write letters to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

The residents recounted an unusual registration experience, where they felt profiled by a volunteer.

Asked about the purpose of their visit, they stated it was personal and intended for direct discussion with MP Teo.

DC explained, “I’d like to discuss matters relating to foreign relations and cybersecurity. With all that’s happening in the world today, I am personally very aggrieved by Singapore’s position.”

Although they avoided mentioning Palestine or Gaza and refrained from wearing keffiyeh or Palestine-themed designs, the volunteer remarked, “I know you are here to talk about Gaza.”

When DC questioned this assumption, the volunteer explained that most MPS attendees sought financial aid or were elderly. The focus on foreign relations led to his inference.

The volunteer requested DC, who held queue number 11, to allow others to proceed first, explaining that financial aid cases were quicker to handle.

Assuring them they would still meet MP Teo, he said, “We are not turning you away.”

The residents complied, waiting until 8.45 pm as the last attendees.

Key issues raised by residents

Although DC and SM came together for the same issue, they were required to meet MP Teo separately despite requesting a joint meeting for moral support.

DC, a mother of one, spoke first, highlighting the mental health toll of suppressing grief over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

She urged the government to establish safe spaces for collective grieving, free from surveillance and police scrutiny.

“We are being forced to repress our emotions and mourn in isolation. The mental health erosion of those bearing witness is immense,” she said.

DC criticised the government’s lack of a strong stance on the crisis, urging greater empathy and moral clarity.

“I care when children are being massacred. I don’t know whether it’s something that our ministers are able to say. I’ve heard them talk about donations and the money we’ve spent, but sending aid is not enough,” she said.

She added, “Politics is being used as an excuse to avoid these concerns, but 17,000 children killed by our ‘ally’ is not politics.”

Separately, SM raised concerns about Singapore’s border policies, questioning the free movement of past and current Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers.

She referenced a recent incident in Amsterdam, where IDF soldiers were hosted during a football match involving Tel Aviv-Maccabi.

SM asked what measures were in place to regulate such entries into Singapore.

In response, MP Teo maintained a polite and empathetic tone but emphasised that MPS was not the appropriate platform for discussing large-scale political issues like Gaza.

She offered to write letters to MHA and MFA on their behalf, which the residents found inadequate.

“What does it mean for a Second Minister of Home Affairs to write to her own ministry? What impact will this letter have, and can we be sure it’s not just a form of patronisation?” they questioned.

Rising advocacy on Gaza in Singapore

This session reflects a growing trend of Singaporeans addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict with their MPs.

On 16 September, Holland-Bukit Timah resident Hasannah met with MP Edward Chia, who emphasised caution on sanctions against Israel.

On 7 October, activists in Punggol West urged MP Sun Xueling to consider stronger action.

On 4 November, a Choa Chu Kang resident waited two hours to meet MP Low Yen Ling but was denied a face-to-face discussion about Singapore’s role in the Palestinian crisis.

Activists continue to encourage residents to engage their MPs, aiming to raise awareness about Palestine and foster solidarity efforts in Singapore.

At least 30 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, bringing the total death toll since October last year to 44,532, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry.

Over 105,538 others have been wounded, with many victims reportedly trapped under rubble as rescuers struggle to reach them.

“Israeli forces have killed 30 people and wounded 84 others in three massacres of families in the past 24 hours,” the ministry stated.

The escalation comes amidst international criticism of the Israeli army’s actions, which some organisations have characterised as attempts to render Gaza uninhabitable.

In a landmark report published on Thursday (5 Dec), Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

The report, titled ‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, outlines systematic actions including killings, severe harm, and life-threatening conditions aimed at destroying the Palestinian population.

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