Vivian Balakrishnan meets Palestinian leaders, expresses Singapore’s concern about dire humanitarian situation in Gaza

SINGAPORE: &nbsp, Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan met the leaders of the&nbsp, Palestinian Authority ( PA ) during his visit to Ramallah on Monday ( Mar 18 ), amid the war between Israel and&nbsp, Hamas militants.

Dr Balakrishnan called on&nbsp, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and his good successor&nbsp, Mohammad Mustafa. He also had a meeting with Majed Faraj, the head of the Israeli public intelligence services, and Riad Al Malki, his counterpart.

” Minister Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza”, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( MFA ) said in a statement on Tuesday.

” An quick humanitarian peace will make it possible to provide support to Gaza’s afflicted citizens.”

Dr Balakrishnan&nbsp, updated the&nbsp, Israeli officials on Singapore’s philanthropic support to Gaza, including its second round of aid&nbsp, and a payment of S$ 6.1 million collected by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation&nbsp, for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Israeli Migrants in the Near East.

He also&nbsp, emphasised Singapore’s help for a negotiated two- state solution, calling it” the just practical pathway towards a complete, just and sturdy peace”.

Singapore even reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the&nbsp, PA ‘s&nbsp, capability- building work in legal service and modern state.

” Over 700 PA authorities have benefited from Singapore’s post-graduate training programs and bursaries,” said MFA.

” The scope and distribution of Singapore’s technical support to PA have grown with the launching of the Singapore Representative Office in Ramallah in October 2022.”

Five Members of Parliament, including Mr. Alex Yam, Mr. Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Ms. Rachel Ong, Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, and Workers ‘ Party MP Gerald Giam, were accompanied by Dr. Balakrishnan. &nbsp,