S'pore donates S$652,600 to World Food Programme to support humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan witnessed the presentation of a cheque of US$500,000 (S$652,000) to the World Food Programme (WFP) on behalf of the Singapore government on Nov. 4, to support humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

The cheque was symbolically handed over by Hawazi Daipi, Singapore Representative to the Palestinian Authority, to Jane Waite, the WFP's Head of Programmes.

This took place on the first day of Vivian's working visit to Palestine and Israel, where he met with several Palestinian Authority (PA) leaders, including the PA Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, the minister for foreign affairs and expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, and the PA Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Estephan Salameh.

At the event, Vivian said that the donation aims to help the World Food Programme deliver emergency food and nutrition assistance to Gaza, as part of Singapore’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to aid civilians affected by the conflict.

He also announced that Singapore would be organising two additional capacity building courses, due to launch in 2026.

Cheque presentation

The World Food Programme cheque handover ceremony was held at the Singapore Representative Office in Ramallah, where the contribution was witnessed by Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin.

Vivian said that the WFP's work in Gaza was vital, and that Singapore would do its part to support the WFP in its "mission to fight hunger and bring hope to people in crisis".

He paid tribute to the WFP and its staff, extending Singapore's deepest appreciation and lauding them for their "extraordinary courage and humanity" in helping those most in need, regardless of danger.

Glimmer of hope

On the ceasefire, Vivian acknowledged that the current peace was precarious, but it was also a glimmer of hope.

Vivian added that while it remains a fragile hope, there is now a chance for Gazans to rebuild both their homes and the future of an entire generation.

He also called on all parties and stakeholders to seize this opportunity to reach an agreement for the next phase and comply strictly and fully with the terms of the ceasefire.

He said that the suffering of the civilians in Gaza, especially women and children, has gone on for far too long.

Our hearts are not distant

The plight of the Gazans has had a deep impact on many Singaporeans, he said.

"Although Singapore is... 8,000km away from Gaza, our hearts are not distant."

Vivian spoke about the US$18 million (S$23.54 million) in humanitarian aid that Singaporeans had contributed thus far, and the 10 tranches of aid delivered to Gaza, through regional partners like Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus; or through air drops by the Singapore Armed Forces.

But Singapore is committed to help beyond immediate relief efforts, having consistently supported the PA through capacity-building efforts.

Singapore is launching two initiatives in 2026: a community policing course in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and also a Young Leaders' Programme for emerging Palestinian leaders.

Vivian announced an additional two courses on digital economy, and on digital entrepreneurship in 2026, at the request of the PA.

Singapore’s ongoing support

In a Facebook post on Nov. 3, Vivian said that Singapore would continue to support the “Palestinian Authority’s capacity-building programmes” and “assist (in) international efforts for the long-term reconstruction of Gaza”.

He also reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to a two-state solution, in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, as the only viable route to a just and lasting peace.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza

The conflict has severely disrupted food supplies and access to basic necessities across Gaza.

Jane Waite, Head of Programmes at the WFP Palestine, said that the presentation ceremony was not just about formalising an agreement, it was also "about bringing hope".

Waite emphasised that the "needs in Gaza are immense" as she had been there in the weeks before the ceasefire agreement.

Saying that Singapore's contribution came at a "critical time", she extended her heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Singapore.

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Top image via Mothership