S'pore calls for immediate ceasefire & full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza: MFA

Singapore is calling for an immediate ceasefire and the full resumption of humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The news comes as Israel announced its "extensive ground operations" across the Gaza Strip, as reported by The New York Times.

To comply with international law

"Singapore has consistently called for all parties in the conflict to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and ensure that all civilians are kept out of harm’s way," said a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson on May 20.

The spokesperson also stressed the need to give due protection to civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, as well as medical workers.

At the same time, Singapore also calls for all the remaining hostages held by Hamas to be released immediately.

There are 58 hostages still being held in Gaza, and up to 23 are believed to be alive, according to BBC.

Support for negotiated two-state solution

"Singapore reiterates its support for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the spokespersons said.

Throughout the Israel-Hamas war, Singapore had consistently stressed that a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with UN Security Council resolutions, is the "only viable path" for "achieving a comprehensive, just, and durable solution" to the long-standing conflict.

"We urge parties to refrain from unilateral actions that hinder the peace process. The conflict cannot be resolved by the permanent forced displacement of Palestinian civilians," the MFA spokesperson said.

Background

On Sunday (May 18), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that it is open to a deal with Hamas that could see an end to the war in Gaza.

The office said that it is exhausting "every possibility" for a deal.

In the early hours on the same day, the Israeli military launched a wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 125 Palestinians. 

According to the New York Times, the Israeli military also announced on Sunday (May 18) that its forces had begun "extensive ground operations" across the Gaza Strip.

At the same time, the government said it would allow a "basic amount of food" to enter Gaza, 10 weeks after it implemented a total blockade of the territory, BBC reported.

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Top image via UNRWA/Facebook