PM Lee, in response to Pergas, reiterates commitment to 2-state solution in Middle East

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has reiterated Singapore’s position on the Israel-Palestine issue, saying the Republic is convinced a two-state solution is “the only way” to bring peace and security to both peoples.

He was responding to a Feb 17 letter sent to him by the Singapore Islamic Scholars and Religious Teachers Association (Pergas), which expressed its concern about the longstanding conflict and Israel’s settlement building in Palestinian territories. 

In the letter, Pergas president Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan also asked Mr Lee to convey the concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who was an official visit to Singapore from Feb 20 and 21. 

In his reply to Pergas, dated Feb 21, Mr Lee said he fully understood the association’s sentiments. He added that he had conveyed Singapore’s concerns and position to Mr Netanyahu last year and again when the Israeli leader was in the Republic earlier this week. 

“Singapore is friends with both Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, and many Arab countries. While the situation is complex and progress is difficult, Singapore has always urged Israel and Palestine to resume direct negotiations and work towards a just and durable solution to this longstanding conflict,” wrote Mr Lee.

“We are convinced that a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, however hard to achieve, is the only way to bring peace and security to both peoples ... Singapore fervently hopes for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, which will contribute to a stabler Middle East and indeed a safer world,” he added. 

Both letters were released to the media by Pergas on Friday (Feb 24).

Mr Lee also explained to Mr Netanyahu why the Middle East matters to Singapore, noting that, while people all over the world are seized with the Israeli-Palestinian issue and the plight of civilians caught in the conflict, it is an “emotional matter” for Muslim communities in particular.

Mr Lee said: “Singapore is in South-east Asia, surrounded by Muslim-majority countries. And we ourselves have a substantial Muslim population, who are an important part of our harmonious multiethnic society.”

Noting that the conflict has cost many lives, including those of children, women and the elderly who are unable to defend themselves, Ustaz Hasbi wrote: “As the Muslim community and as Singapore citizens who hold firmly to the values of harmony and justice, we, like all other religions and nations, reject all forms of injustice, aggression and oppression.

“Violence only leads to more violence. Security will not be achieved if injustice, oppression and discrimination continue.”

He added that Pergas acknowledges the Government’s position on the issue, as well as Mr Hawazi Daipi’s appointment as Singapore’s representative to the Palestinian National Authority. 

“We hope that Israel and Palestine will work together towards building peace and harmony,” said Ustaz Hasbi.

In response, Mr Lee thanked Pergas for supporting the Republic’s position, “which reflects the interests of our nation”.