Singapore strongly condemns 'abhorrent attack' outside Jerusalem synagogue

SINGAPORE — Singapore "strongly condemns" the "abhorrent attack" outside a synagogue in Jerusalem on Friday (Jan 27), which killed seven people and wounded three others.

According to Israeli police, a 21-year-old Palestinian gunman shot several people before he was killed by police. The gunman appeared to have acted alone in carrying out the attack in an area that Israel annexed after the 1967 Middle East war.

"We express our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a swift recovery," said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a press statement on Sunday.

There are currently no reports of Singaporeans affected by the attack, said MFA.

MFA advised Singaporeans in Israel to exercise caution, monitor the local news and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Singaporeans travelling to Israel are strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA if they have not done so.

Singaporeans who require consular assistance should contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at:

Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv:
Tel: +972 3 7289334
Email: singemb_tlv [at] mfa.sg

MFA Duty Office (24 hours):
Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855
Email: mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg

MFA added that Singapore is "deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank".

On Thursday, 10 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces on Thursday during a raid on the crowded refugee camp in the northern city of Jenin — the deadliest raid in the occupied West Bank in years.

"We mourn the loss of innocent lives and injuries to Palestinian civilians in Jenin," said MFA, and urged all parties to "exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions to prevent further loss of civilian lives". 

"Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace and security," it added. CNA