Vivian Balakrishnan speaks to Palestine & Israel's foreign ministers, says S'pore supports 2-state solution

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan spoke separately with foreign affairs ministers from the Palestinian Authority and Israel on Sep. 9 and 10, 2025.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Sep. 10, Vivian had candid and open discussions on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and prospects for peace in the Middle East.

This includes Singapore reaffirming its support for a negotiated two-state solution between the countries, and also Singapore's concerns about Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Singapore supports Palestinian people's right to their own state

On Sep. 9, Vivian spoke with Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.

He then spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa'ar on Sep. 10.

During both conversations, Vivian expressed Singapore's deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

According to MFA, he reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.

He also emphasised on Singapore's long-held position that a negotiated two-state solution, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, is the "only viable pathway to achieving a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the longstanding conflict".

In his discussion with Aghabekian, Vivian reaffirmed Singapore's support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and their own state.

He highlighted Singapore's ongoing humanitarian and capacity-building contributions, noting that nine tranches of aid worth over S$22 million have already been provided by the government and Singaporeans.

Singapore has also carried out multiple airdrop operations to deliver humanitarian relief to Gaza, including the deployment of a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft to Jordan last month.

Beyond aid, Singapore continues to back institutional development in Palestine through its S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package and new training programmes with partners such as Japan.

These include initiatives for Palestinian civil police officers and a Young Leaders Programme focused on public administration and governance.

Israel's military operations worsened situation and suffering: Vivian

In his call with Sa'ar, Balakrishnan conveyed Singapore's "serious concerns" over Israel's expanded military operations in Gaza.

While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defence following the Hamas terror attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, he said the scale of military action had worsened the humanitarian situation and prolonged the suffering of innocent civilians.

He urged Israel to allow the immediate and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and cautioned against unilateral measures that could undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.

Vivian also reiterated Singapore's position that recent Israeli airstrikes on Doha constituted a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty which undermined ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Top photos via Vivian Balakrishnan/Facebook