Singapore welcomes Gaza ceasefire agreement, pledges continued humanitarian aid

SINGAPORE: Singapore has welcomed a ceasefire agreement in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, a development that promises to halt 15 months of devastating conflict. The agreement, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, includes provisions for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan described the ceasefire, set to take effect on 19 January 2025, as a critical step towards easing the humanitarian crisis. “For the past 15 agonising months, too many people have suffered and there has been too much death and destruction,” Dr Balakrishnan said on 16 January in a statement. “At least now, there is a glimmer of hope and light at the end of what is a very long and tortured tunnel.” The agreement, announced on 15 January by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, is expected to receive formal approval from the Israeli Cabinet following extensive mediation efforts. The initial six-week ceasefire aims to stabilise the situation and facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid. Singapore has already contributed over US$18 million in aid to Gaza, including cash and donations, since the conflict began. Dr Balakrishnan noted plans for Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman to visit Jordan next week to deliver a cheque to a Jordanian charity. Additionally, Singapore is preparing to send another tranche of humanitarian supplies to the Palestinian people, with more fundraising efforts planned during the holy month of Ramadan. “Singapore will continue to work with partners in the the region, especially Jordan, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Cyprus to support humanitarian initiatives for the civilians in Gaza,” said Dr Balakrishnan, who also highlighted discussions with his Saudi and Jordanian counterparts about increasing support for humanitarian operations. The Foreign Minister further underscored Singapore’s long-term commitment to supporting Palestine, including through initiatives to increase scholarships for Palestinian students in Singapore. Dr Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s position that a negotiated two-state solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. “That is the only way we are going to have a comprehensive, just and durable peace between these two peoples who are going to be permanent neighbours, and do deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity,” he said.

Heavy casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza

The Gaza conflict has inflicted heavy casualties and worsened humanitarian conditions. Since 7 October 2023, Israeli troops have conducted ground and air attacks in Gaza, while Hamas-led assaults on Israel have killed 1,139 Israelis and taken over 200 hostages. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 46,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed during the fighting. Severe shortages of food, fuel, and medical supplies have exacerbated the crisis. International organisations, including the Red Cross, are preparing to expand their aid operations, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged prioritising humanitarian relief.