SINGAPORE: Singapore will proceed to work with its companions within the Center East to ship support to Gaza regardless of Israel’s resolution to ban the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from working in Israel and annexed east Jerusalem.
Singapore’s Minister for Overseas Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan mentioned this on Tuesday (Nov 12) in response to a parliamentary query requested by MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (PAP-Chua Chu Kang).
In his query, Mr Zhulkarnain had requested how Singapore would proceed to offer help to Gaza in mild of Israel’s transfer and the way it will proceed to assist UNRWA’s work. He additionally requested if the federal government would take into account airdropping extra support into Gaza.
In a written reply to the query, Dr Balakrishnan expressed concern over the ban.
“Singapore is deeply involved concerning the current passage of laws within the Israeli Knesset prohibiting UNRWA’s exercise inside Israel’s territory and banning contact by state authorities with UNRWA,” he mentioned.
“This may hamper the supply of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Financial institution.
“We urge all events to respect and assist the humanitarian position performed by the UN businesses within the Palestinian Territories, permit them unimpeded entry to hold out their work, and make sure the security of their workers.”
Dr Balakrishnan, nevertheless, famous that other than UNRWA, Singapore had labored with a lot of completely different companions within the area to offer assist to Gaza’s civilians.
These embrace international locations like Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus, and humanitarian businesses corresponding to UNICEF, the Egyptian Purple Crescent and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Group.
“We are going to proceed to work with companions within the area to ship help to the affected civilians in Gaza,” he mentioned.
