Singapore urges Hamas to accept Trump’s Gaza peace plan

Singapore has expressed support for US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to end the war in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued the statement on 30 September, welcoming Israel’s acceptance of the plan. The MFA emphasised that Singapore continues to support an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. It also welcomed Trump’s call to establish dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians on long-term peaceful coexistence. According to the MFA, Singapore maintains that a negotiated two-state solution, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, remains the only viable pathway towards a comprehensive and durable resolution to the conflict. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed on 29 September to a 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict”. Leaders from the Middle East and several Muslim-majority countries have also expressed support. However, Hamas’ acceptance is required for the agreement to proceed. The proposal stipulates that the two-year war would end immediately if accepted. It requires the return of hostages and the remains of those who died within 72 hours. In return, Israel would release nearly 2,000 prisoners and refrain from occupying or annexing Gaza. A critical provision bars Hamas from having any future role in Gaza’s governance. Trump warned that if Hamas rejects the deal, the US would fully back Israel in its efforts to eliminate the militant group. According to Reuters, Hamas has not yet officially received the plan. An official briefed on the talks said Qatar and Egypt had shared the document with Hamas, which informed mediators it would review the proposal “in good faith” before responding. Israel claimed that Hamas is still holding 48 hostages, of whom 20 are believed to be alive.

White House says Netanyahu apologised to Qatar over fatal strike during ceasefire talks

Notably, The White House said Netanyahu apologised to Qatar for the killing of a Qatari citizen during an Israeli strike in Doha on 9 September that targeted Hamas leaders. The apology was conveyed in a joint call with Trump to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. In its statement, the White House said Netanyahu expressed regret for the civilian death, the breach of Qatari sovereignty, and pledged not to repeat such an action. The strike killed at least five Hamas members and a Qatari security official, though the senior Hamas figures involved in US-backed ceasefire talks survived.

Singapore signals possible review of Palestine recognition amid Gaza crisis and rising civilian casualties

On 22 September, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan indicated in Parliament that Singapore may review its stance on recognising a Palestinian state amid the escalating Gaza crisis. His remarks came after Britain, Canada, Australia, and Portugal—the first G7 nations—officially recognised Palestine. Dr Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, adding that recognition would occur only when Palestine has an effective government that accepts Israel’s right to exist and renounces terrorism. Earlier, Dr Balakrishnan urged Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to return to direct negotiations. He reiterated that only a two-state solution can deliver a just and durable peace. During separate calls with PA Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar, Dr Balakrishnan underlined Singapore’s support for Palestinian statehood while voicing concern over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. He acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence following the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023, but cautioned against “excessive military action” that has intensified civilian suffering. He further urged Israel to allow the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and refrain from unilateral measures that undermine peace prospects. The Republic has sent nine tranches of humanitarian aid worth over US$22 million, alongside multiple airdrops, including a recent operation involving a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft deployed to Jordan. The MFA reiterated Singapore’s longstanding support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood while continuing to call for urgent measures to protect civilians and pave the way for a negotiated political solution. The Gaza Health Ministry reported on 29 September that at least 66,055 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip since October 2023.