SINGAPORE — Even though Singapore recognises Israel’s right to self-defence, its military response has gone "too far" and the catastrophic situation in Gaza that has resulted demands “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday (Feb 29) during a debate on his ministry’s spending, Dr Balakrishnan added that Singapore will be donating a third tranche of aid to the Palestinian territory via Jordan. 

Two tranches of life-saving aid had been sent via Egypt last November, about a month after Israel launched its war against Hamas there following an attack by the Palestinian militant group.

Dr Balakrishnan also said that in spite of calls by some people to do so, Singapore will not sever diplomatic ties with Israel and recall its ambassador because these moves will not resolve the situation.

"Ceremonially breaking ties with countries every time we disapprove of their actions, in my view, that's not constructive," he added.

"Whatever we say or do diplomatically will not change the situation on the ground nor, I will add, will it influence Israel to suddenly change its policy, nor will it necessarily immediately reduce the suffering on the Palestinians."

Instead, it is important to maintain good ties with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, he said.

Dr Balakrishnan also stressed the importance of domestic unity and to not allow external events to affect Singapore’s cohesion.

HUMANITARIAN AID FOR SITUATION IN GAZA

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that is "appalling" with far too many innocent civilians lost or maimed, Dr Balakrishnan said. 

Singapore condemned Hamas’ attack on Israeli civilians and kidnapping of hostages on Oct 7 as these were blatant and abhorrent acts of terrorism.

“To excuse terrorism now for whatever reason, in fact, puts Singapore at risk,” he said, because terrorism is a "clear and present threat" to Singapore.

Singapore also recognised Israel’s right to self-defence, not because it is taking sides, but because “we will assert Singapore's right to self-defence if we ever face a situation like that".

He said, however, that Israel’s military response has gone "too far".

"For avoidance of ambiguity, I'm going to repeat that line: Israel's military response has gone too far. 

"The catastrophic situation in Gaza demands an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate the unbearable suffering of the civilian victims and to enable humanitarian assistance to reach them, immediately.

"We are also concerned that there may be a potential ground offensive into Rafah that will worsen the situation further," he added. 

Singapore has also voted for two United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolutions that called for such a ceasefire.

In response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim on how Singapore is helping to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Dr Balakrishnan said that the country and Singaporeans have contributed generously to humanitarian assistance there.

“Singaporean NGOs (non-government organisations) and the Government have raised more than S$10 million for relief operations in Gaza so far. I'm confident more will follow," he added.

"Our strong ties with partners in the Middle East have allowed us to collaborate with them on the delivery of this aid.” 

In January, a Singapore Armed Forces medical team was sent onboard a French Navy ship in Egypt to treat casualties from Gaza.

In addition to the third tranche of aid, Singapore will continue its long-standing support for the Palestinian Authority’s capacity-building efforts, through the S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package.

He reiterated that Singapore has maintained good ties with the Palestinian Authority, with a representative office established in Ramallah in 2022.

"We do all this because we look forward to the day when there's peace, and that there is a functioning, capable Palestinian state, and that the Palestinian people get the peace and progress which they so richly deserve."  

NATIONAL INTEREST TO MAINTAIN TIES

Dr Balakrishnan said that as a small country, it is in Singapore’s interest to maintain ties with as many countries as possible.

He noted that none of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have severed diplomatic ties with Israel. 

Neither have the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam — which are part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — nor Arab countries such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Dr Balakrishnan stressed again Singapore’s belief that a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict is the key to long-lasting peace, though it may be challenging to reach that.

“Israel has a right to live peacefully within secure borders, but the Palestinian people also have a right to a homeland.

"This is why back in 1988 — I bet most people are not aware — but back in 1988, we welcomed the proclamation of a Palestinian state,” he said.

Singapore also has consistently opposed moves that undermine a two-state solution, he added.

“For example, we view Israel settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law. And we think, in fact, proceeding with the way they have (done so) over the last couple of decades after the failure of the Oslo Accords will only make things worse and makes it much more difficult to arrive at a two-state solution.

"We have voted in support of every UN resolution that calls on Israel to rescind unilateral measures to change the status of Jerusalem."

ESSENTIAL TO HAVE DOMESTIC UNITY

Although he is heartened that many Singaporeans feel deeply about the situation in Gaza, Dr Balakrishnan said that foreign policy cannot be driven one way or another by sentiments.

“Foreign policy must be based on understanding our core interests and acting consistently in accordance with the principles that safeguard our independence, our sovereignty, our territorial integrity and our security.” 

In the future, there will be many foreign policy issues that are sensitive, he added.

Therefore, it is vital that Singapore does not allow external issues to sow division domestically.

“Otherwise... we'll be vulnerable, we will not be independent, we will not have autonomy." 

OUTCOME-BASED DIPLOMATIC ACTIONS

Following Dr Balakrishnan’s speech in Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh asked how Singapore manages its foreign policy with another party that takes a “diametrically different position” to Singapore's.

The Workers’ Party chief said that it would be helpful to have an understanding on how Singapore traverses such a foreign policy issue.

For example, in the case of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Mr Pritam said that although Singapore believes in a two-state solution, “the current Israeli leadership does not”.

“I think they've said so publicly. I think a few of the ministers have said so publicly.” 

Before responding, Dr Balakrishnan sought Mr Singh’s confirmation that his party agrees with the Government’s approach of not severing diplomatic ties with a country even when it has a fundamental disagreement with Singapore.

Mr Singh said that he agreed.

On the foreign policy approach, the minister said: “My own inclination is to say that in times of tension, in times of divergence, in times of conflict, actually, the more you can engage and communicate and keep multiple channels of communication open, the better.”

Even when it comes to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, Singapore needs to work with Israel, Dr Balakrishnan added.

“And the fact that everyone knows we do have good relations with Israel also gives us a special ability to contribute and to be more effective in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.” 

Dr Balakrishnan also said that sometimes, actions are needed to signify disapproval. 

“But even in your choice of actions and diplomatic gestures, be very restrained, be very careful. And then focus on outcomes.”

Member of Parliament Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked Dr Balakrishnan how Singapore's foreign policy stance is translated "in a congruent manner" across other ministries in Government.

He replied that it was not appropriate for him to answer on behalf of other ministries, but repeated Singapore's principled position on various aspects of the conflict.

For instance, the hostages taken by Hamas should be released "completely, immediately and unconditionally". At the same time, Israel's military response to the Oct 7 attacks must also be within limits.

Ultimately, the main point he wanted to drive home is the importance of staying united in the face of potentially polarising developments overseas, Dr Balakrishnan said

“So long as we stay united, so long as we're able to respect — truly respect — diverse opinions and still operate as a united whole. And for that, I thank the leader and the members of the Opposition and the Nominated Members of Parliament for what I believe today is consensus on foreign policy.”