Effect of Gaza Conflict on Singaporeans and Singapore's Humanitarian Efforts in Region
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the impact of the Gaza conflict on Singapore’s diplomatic relations, domestic social cohesion, and humanitarian aid efforts in the region. Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, Mr Yip Hon Weng, Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis, and Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song inquired about Middle Eastern ties, multiculturalism, humanitarian aid, and citizen evacuation. They also asked about actions regarding humanitarian corridors and discussions during official visits by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stated these concerns were addressed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs on 6 November 2023. The session outlined Singapore's adherence to international law, the United Nations Charter, and efforts to provide rapid humanitarian aid.
Transcript
4 Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict and Singapore’s principled position to uphold international law and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter (a) how have Singapore’s diplomatic relations with Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the wider Middle East been affected; and (b) what lessons in foreign diplomacy can Singapore learn from this conflict.
5 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is the potential impact of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on Singaporeans and non-Singaporean residents of various ethnicities and religions; and (b) what lessons can we draw from this conflict to further strengthen multiculturalism and religious harmony in our society.
6 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what is the basis for determining the $300,000 contribution amount to humanitarian aid to the Singapore Red Cross towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; (b) in light of the escalating humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict, whether the Government has plans to increase the level of financial and non-financial aid; and (c) if so, how and where will such efforts be directed.
7 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) what concrete actions has the Government taken to influence the creation of safe, rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian corridors for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip; and (b) whether the details of these actions were discussed during the recent official visit to the region by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
8 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) how many Singaporeans are currently in Israel; (b) whether there are plans to evacuate Singaporeans in Israel in view of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict; and (c) whether there are any joint ASEAN efforts to coordinate evacuation of Singaporeans and other ASEAN nationals.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: These questions for written answer were addressed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs during the debate on Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Alex Yam and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim’s Motion on “Solidarity, Security and Peace: The Israel-Hamas Conflict” on 6 November 2023. [Please refer to "Solidarity, Security and Peace – The Israel-Hamas Conflict", Official Report, 6 November 2023, Vol 95, Issue 115, Motions section.]