PAP MP Faishal Ibrahim 'disturbed' by Israel's 'unacceptable' use of 'disproportionate force & violence'

"Together let’s pray for lasting peace in the Middle East." he said.

Fiona Tan | May 24, 2021, 10:06 PM

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Singapore's Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said he is "disturbed" by Israel's "unacceptable" use of "disproportionate force and violence".

He made his views known in a Facebook post on May 24.

Disproportionate force and violence

In his Facebook post, the minister of state noted that shots had been fired from both Israel and Hamas.

However, on the whole, he was "disturbed" by what Israel has done, where they appear "to have used disproportionate force and violence, against the Palestinian people".

He wrote:

"But overall, I am very disturbed by Israel’s actions : the manner in which the arguments first started, and the way in which Israel has used disproportionate force against innocent people, including children."

Faishal added that Israel's behaviour during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan was not right: "It’s unacceptable, and very tragic."

However, he also wrote that he was "glad" both sides have agreed to a ceasefire and brought an end to the nearly two-week-long violence.

Aid for Gaza

In response to the "many enquiries from Singaporeans on how they can help", Faishal said Singaporeans can send aid to Palestinians through local fundraisers.

He suggested the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), and the Singapore Red Cross for those wishing to make a monetary donation.

Both organisations, working in tandem with United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA), have raised over S$1.8 million for Palestine thus far.

On the topic of donations to overseas groups, Faishal cautioned Singaporeans to be mindful of the dangers.

These groups are unverified and Singaporeans might not know where the money will end up and how the funds are employed, he said.

In addition, he went on to praise Singaporeans: "I truly appreciate and applaud Singaporeans’ human spirit and deep sense of compassion."

Background

To make space for Israeli-Jewish settlers, some Palestinian families were threatened with eviction from their homes in a Palestinian neighbourhood in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem.

This sparked tension and fuelled clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli police as early as May 7, 2021, according to the United Nations.

In response, Israeli police bearing tear gas and stun grenades stormed the Al Aqsa mosque while over 300 Palestinians were in prayers on May 10, 2021.

This crackdown by the police against protestors took place during Ramadan.

On the same day, Hamas retaliated by launching rockets at Jerusalem and issued an ultimatum to Israel to remove its forces from the Al Aqsa compound.

The fights continued for 11 days before the truce was announced on May 20 and came into practice on May 21.

The crossfire had resulted in over 220 fatalities, including 12 Israelis, according to The Straits Times.

Israel went on to characterised the conflict as a real estate issue.

The Israeli army said Hamas and other Islamist armed groups in Gaza have fired more than 4,300 rockets towards Israel.

But the Israeli Iron Dome air defence system intercepted a majority of those headed for populated areas.

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Top image from Getty Images and Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim/FB