Debated in Parliament on 8 May 2024.
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether Singapore is continuing to express deep concerns about the planned Israeli ground offensive into the city of Rafah in Gaza and the dire humanitarian consequences on civilians; (b) when was the most recent occasion that Singapore engaged the Palestinian Authority, Israel, Egypt or the United States on this matter; and (c) what further assistance is Singapore preparing to deliver to the Palestinians in view of the planned offensive.
Singapore remains deeply concerned about the ongoing Israeli ground offensive into Rafah. The offensive will only worsen the already dire humanitarian situation and add to the immense suffering of the civilian population in Gaza. Singapore has consistently reiterated our concerns and I have also made this clear in person to counterparts during my visit to the Middle East in March 2024. Singapore calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for the safe, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza.
Thus far, Singapore has contributed three significant tranches of humanitarian materials for Gaza. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) also despatched personnel and assets to support humanitarian operations for Gaza. These include sending a medical team in January 2024 to support a French Armed Forces’ hospital ship berthed in Egypt in providing medical aid and post-operative nursing care to civilian casualties from Gaza; and deploying a C-130 at the invitation of the Jordanian government to air drop over 20 tonnes of food supplies into Gaza in March 2024. We will continue to contribute and remain in close contact with our regional partners and stakeholders on further humanitarian assistance needed for the civilians in Gaza.
Singapore remains committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority’s capacity-building efforts, including through our S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Programme (ETAP) for Palestinian Authority officials. Over 700 officials from the Palestinian Authority have come through ETAP thus far and we will continue to provide training assistance which has covered areas, such as healthcare, water management and civil service training.
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