Singapore's Position on Pending Cases Filed by South Africa with International Court of Justice against Israel
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim’s inquiry regarding Singapore’s position on South Africa’s application for provisional measures against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore is studying the legal implications of the ICJ’s order and emphasized that due legal process should run its course. He noted that ICJ orders are generally binding and that respect for international law remains a fundamental principle of Singapore's foreign policy. The Minister also highlighted that Singapore has voted for United Nations resolutions calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages. Finally, he affirmed Singapore’s support for the urgent and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza in line with its international commitments.
Transcript
9 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs with regard to the pending cases before the International Court of Justice filed against Israel under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (a) what is Singapore's position on the application for provisional measures sought by South Africa; and (b) what are the actions that Singapore will take in terms of foreign and diplomatic relations in light of the contractual obligations of States under Article I of the Convention.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: South Africa filed an application against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 29 December 2023, related to the war in the Gaza Strip. South Africa also requested an indication of provisional measures from the ICJ in its application. The ICJ has not yet arrived at a verdict on the merits of the case, but has issued an order on provisional measures on 26 January 2024.
Singapore is studying the legal implications of the ICJ's order on provisional measures. Orders of the ICJ are generally binding on the litigants. We should let due legal process run its course. Respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, has always been a fundamental principle of Singapore's foreign policy.
At the United Nations, Singapore has voted in favour of resolutions that called for an immediate humanitarian truce or ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the urgent and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.