Singapore Urges Israel and Palestinian Authority to Resume Two-State Peace Talks
SINGAPORE, Sept 10 (VoM): Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has urged both Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to return to direct negotiations for a two-state solution, describing it as the “only viable pathway” to achieving lasting peace.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said Dr. Balakrishnan held separate phone calls with PA Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin on Tuesday (Sept 9) and with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar on Wednesday (Sept 10).
During what the MFA described as “candid and open discussions,” Dr. Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s grave concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire along with the unconditional release of all hostages.
He reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood, highlighting aid contributions that include more than S$22 million in relief assistance and multiple humanitarian airdrops, most recently by a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft deployed to Jordan. Dr. Aghabekian thanked Singapore for its ongoing assistance, particularly in capacity-building programs such as the Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, a joint police training initiative with Japan, and a new Young Leaders Programme.
In his conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar, Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s concern about Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza. While acknowledging Israel’s right to self-defense after the Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, he cautioned that “excessive military action” had worsened civilian suffering.
He also pressed Israel to allow the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid and urged against unilateral actions that would undermine prospects for a two-state solution.
Dr. Balakrishnan further voiced Singapore’s strong objection to Israel’s Sept 9 air strike on Doha, calling it a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty that endangered ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations. The MFA earlier described the strike as a “blatant violation” and “egregious and dangerous action.”
@Voice of Malaysia News