Singapore is prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine

Singapore is prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine, with the key consideration being that such a move should support progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution. Singapore envoy Kevin Cheok delivered this position at a high-level United Nations conference in New York on 29 July 2025. Cheok stated that Singapore is considering the deployment of a medical team to the region to help treat patients from Gaza. In the longer term, Singapore stands ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza once a permanent ceasefire is achieved. Cheok reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding position supporting the right of the Palestinians to their own homeland, based on a negotiated two-state solution aligned with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. He said, “We firmly believe that this is the only viable pathway to achieving a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to this longstanding conflict.” “To this end, we are prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine,” he added. Support for the Arab Reconstruction Plan Singapore also backs the Arab Reconstruction Plan and its vision for Gaza’s rebuilding, as proposed by Egypt. Egypt’s Reconstruction Plan is a 112-page document that outlines redevelopment plans, featuring maps and conceptual images of housing estates, community centres, and gardens generated by artificial intelligence. The three-day United Nations conference on implementing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians concludes on 30 July 2025. It was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, with representatives from around 125 countries working on a declaration to outline steps towards a two-state solution. The declaration is also expected to urge Israel to commit to the creation of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state. Notably, both the United States and Israel have boycotted the conference. Effective Palestinian governance needed Cheok, who serves as Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy secretary for Asia-Pacific, stressed the need for an effective Palestinian government. He noted that this government must categorically renounce terrorism and accept Israel’s right to exist. He welcomed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ letter dated 9 June, which reaffirmed the Palestinian Authority’s rejection of violence and terrorism. Abbas’ letter also reiterated the Palestinian Authority’s longstanding recognition of Israel’s right to exist and its commitment to implementing its reform agenda. Singapore hopes these commitments can be fully implemented to strengthen the peace process. Call for immediate ceasefire and unhindered aid Cheok renewed Singapore’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to lift restrictions that impede the delivery of humanitarian aid. He stressed that the United Nations and humanitarian non-governmental organisations must be allowed to resume their missions without hindrance. He further urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally. Cheok described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as heartbreaking, highlighting the severe shortage of essential medical services and widespread starvation due to aid blockages. “The reports of people being shot whilst desperately trying to access food are shocking. This is unconscionable and a violation of international humanitarian law,” he said. Singapore has so far contributed more than US$17 million (S$21.8 million) in monetary and in-kind assistance to Gaza. It has partnered with regional bodies and global organisations such as the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees to help alleviate suffering. Through a US$7 million enhanced technical assistance package, Singapore has supported capacity building for Palestinian leaders. This includes increasing scholarships for Palestinian students to pursue higher education in Singapore. On 11 July, Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan announced two new initiatives, to begin in 2026, to aid the Palestinian Authority in preparing the Palestinian people for eventual statehood. One initiative will see Singapore collaborate with Japan’s International Cooperation Agency to train the Palestinian Civil Police Force in community policing practices. The second initiative involves a leadership programme for young and emerging Palestinian leaders to learn from Singapore’s experience in governance and public administration.

28 nations urge Israel to end Gaza war, condemn civilian deaths near aid sites

Singapore’s position was made public shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron declared on 24 July that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state at a United Nations meeting in September. On 29 July, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain would follow suit in September unless Israel takes meaningful steps to increase humanitarian aid access to Gaza and fulfils other conditions. The declarations by France and Britain came days after a joint statement from 28 countries on 21 July called for an immediate end to the war in Gaza and urged Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance. The World Health Organisation warned on 27 July that malnutrition rates in Gaza are reaching “alarming levels” due to the “deliberate blocking” of aid. According to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run territory, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 60,000 Palestinians, most of whom are civilians. The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,219 people. Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during the initial attack, 50 remain held in Gaza.