S'pore police warn against possible Israel-Hamas war-related procession this weekend

The Singapore police said they are aware of possible plans for members of the public to gather for a procession held in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict over the weekend.

In a statement dated Oct. 11, they warned that such assemblies are not allowed without a police permit.

Under the Public Order Act, organising or participating in a public assembly or procession without a police permit is an offence.

The police said they would not grant any permit for assemblies that advocate political causes of other countries or foreign entities, or may have the potential to stir emotions and lead to public order incidents.

The police reiterated that organised assemblies and processions in relation to the conflict pose public safety and security concerns.

“There have been multiple incidents overseas where protesters demonstrated on the streets on either side of the Israel-Hamas conflict," they said.

“These incidents overseas had resulted in public disorder, significant disruption to the local communities, and even hurt to bystanders and participants,” they added.

Such activities may harm the peace and harmony between different religions in Singapore and heighten tensions between the communities.

“The peace and harmony we enjoy in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let events happening externally adversely affect it," police said.

On Oct. 7, 2023, fighters aligned with Hamas and other Palestinian resistance groups broke through the barrier around the Gaza Strip for an operation in Israel, which sparked a war with no ceasefire in sight a year later.

Top photo via Singapore Police Force/Facebook