Lawrence Wong says Israel's Gaza restrictions likely breach humanitarian law and are unjustifiable

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has condemned Israel’s ongoing restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling them “completely unacceptable” and likely in breach of international humanitarian law. Speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on 30 May 2025, Wong said that while Singapore recognises Israel’s right to self-defence, its actions have exceeded reasonable bounds and led to a humanitarian catastrophe. “Israel’s response has gone too far,” Wong stated. “The restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable. In our opinion, they may even be a likely breach of international humanitarian law.” Wong was addressing the press during Macron’s two-day state visit to Singapore, which coincides with the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue, a key defence summit held annually in the city-state. He added that Singapore joins other countries in calling for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid delivery, the protection of civilians, and the return of hostages. “Beyond the current crisis itself, Singapore also supports the right of the Palestinian people to their own homeland,” Wong affirmed, stressing that this must be achieved through a negotiated two-state solution. He acknowledged international diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire, notably by France and Saudi Arabia. Wong confirmed that Singapore would participate in an international conference next month aimed at achieving a lasting resolution.

Macron urges stronger European stance and swift action on Gaza crisis

President Macron, for his part, said European countries should “harden the collective position” against Israel if it fails to take urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With mounting global pressure over severe hunger and suffering in Gaza, Macron said meaningful steps must be taken “in the next few hours and days.” He went further to describe the recognition of a Palestinian state as “not only a moral duty, but a political necessity.” “If there is no response in line with the humanitarian situation in Gaza… we will have to harden our collective position,” Macron warned. That would involve abandoning the presumption that human rights are being respected and moving to apply sanctions, he said, hours before delivering the opening keynote at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Macron is currently on a diplomatic tour across Southeast Asia, having visited Vietnam and Indonesia prior to his arrival in Singapore. In Jakarta, he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto issued a joint statement condemning any attempt by Israel to assume control of Gaza or displace its population. France’s Indo-Pacific strategy, as articulated in official publications, emphasises the preservation of a rules-based international order, especially amid rising tensions between China and the United States. France maintains strong regional ties, with more than 1.6 million citizens living in French territories within the Indo-Pacific.

Palestinian UN envoy weeps before Security Council as he recounts Gaza’s suffering children

The remarks from Wong and Macron come amid a deepening crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign entered its 600th day on 30 May. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 54,084 Palestinians have been killed and over 123,308 injured since October 2023. Nearly half a million people are facing catastrophic hunger. The entire population of Gaza—around 2.1 million people—remains affected by food insecurity, widespread illness, or displacement. On 28 May, Palestine’s UN ambassador Riyad Mansour delivered an emotional address at a Security Council meeting, describing mothers mourning their children and decrying the world’s inaction as a “moral failure.” Mansour accused the international community of double standards and called for equal application of international law to Palestinians. Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon rejected claims that Israeli forces had fired at civilians during a US-led aid delivery. He attributed aid delays to logistical problems and accused Palestinians of inciting unrest.

Rising international outrage as European leaders and legal experts call for sanctions on Israel

International condemnation has grown, including from Germany, historically a strong Israeli ally. On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the civilian suffering in Gaza could “no longer be justified as a fight against Hamas terrorism.” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has also criticised Israel’s operations, calling the targeting of civilian infrastructure “unacceptable.” She stressed that humanitarian aid must remain neutral and protected. Meanwhile, over 800 legal professionals in the United Kingdom, including former Supreme Court justices, signed a letter urging the British government to impose sanctions on Israel. They recommended suspending Israel from the United Nations and taking firm measures to stop what they described as the destruction of Gaza. The letter, published on 26 May, warned of grave breaches of international law and highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation.