Singapore prepared to recognise State of Palestine in principle; goal is to reach peace, two-state solution
SINGAPORE: Singapore is prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine, with the key consideration being that such a move should help progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution.
Singapore envoy Kevin Cheok, in a statement delivered at a UN conference of high-level representatives in New York on Tuesday (July 29), said Singapore is also considering the deployment of a medical team to the region, to help treat patients from Gaza.
In the longer term, Singapore is prepared to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza - once a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached, he added.
The three-day United Nations conference on implementing a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, which ends on July 30, was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
Cheok, who is MFA deputy secretary (Asia-Pacific), said Singapore also reiterates its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Singapore urges Israel to lift restrictions on delivering humanitarian aid to the region, and calls on Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally, he said.
Cheok said: 'What we are witnessing in Gaza today is heartbreaking. The denial of humanitarian aid is causing starvation and a dire lack of essential medical services.
'The reports of people being shot whilst desperately trying to access food are shocking. This is unconscionable and a violation of international humanitarian law.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
40 minutes ago
- Barnama
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Commend Malaysia-Brokered Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire
PUTRAJAYA, July 28 -– Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (centre) witnesses Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) shaking hands with Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) following a Special Joint Meeting at the Seri Perdana Complex, today. The high-level Special Meeting was held to ease escalating tensions following an armed confrontation between the two countries. -–fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- ASEAN Foreign Ministers have welcomed the outcome of a Special Meeting hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, to de-escalate tensions between Cambodia and Thailand along the disputed border. In a statement issued Thursday, the ministers commended Malaysia's role in facilitating a bilateral dialogue that led to a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. The Special Meeting took place on Monday in Putrajaya. bootstrap slideshow They also expressed confidence that the goodwill demonstrated by both Cambodia and Thailand will lead to the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire and all decisions of the Special Meeting. 'We encourage Cambodia and Thailand to resolve the issue amicably in accordance with international law, and consistent with the principles enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter, ASEAN Charter, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and in the spirit of ASEAN family, unity and good neighbourliness. 'We hope that the ceasefire agreed by both sides will be fully implemented in good faith. The ministers also voiced their support for Malaysia's readiness to coordinate an observer team comprising ASEAN Member States to independently verify and monitor the implementation of the ceasefire. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers also acknowledged the role of the United States (US) in co-organising the Special Meeting, while noting the active participation of China in promoting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing situation. Following the meeting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to implement an immediate ceasefire to ease tensions in the disputed border area.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Palestinian student in France investigated over antisemitic posts
LILLE: A Palestinian student from Gaza is under investigation in France for allegedly posting antisemitic messages online, leading to the revocation of her university accreditation. Officials confirmed she will have to leave the country. France's Sciences Po university in Lille cancelled the student's enrolment after accusations surfaced. Lille's chief prosecutor, Carole Etienne, stated that an inquiry has been launched for 'justifying terrorism' and 'crimes against humanity.' A French diplomatic source said the student 'should now leave French territory as soon as possible.' AFP could not immediately contact the student, whose identity remains undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation. Screenshots of posts attributed to the student, shared by pro-Israel accounts on X (formerly Twitter), reportedly included an image of Adolf Hitler and statements seemingly advocating violence against Jews. The account linked to her has since been deactivated following demands by French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. Retailleau asserted that 'Hamas propagandists' should not be allowed in France, referencing the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described her as 'a Gazan student making antisemitic remarks' and vowed to review her visa approval process. The case unfolds amid heightened tensions online over Israel's war in Gaza, which began after Hamas's October 2023 attacks. Israel's military response has drawn accusations of genocide from some rights groups. France hosts the EU's largest Muslim and Jewish communities. Sciences Po stated the student was admitted based on a recommendation from the French consulate in Jerusalem. A diplomatic source noted she arrived on July 11 under a scholarship after security checks. France has evacuated over 500 people from Gaza since the conflict escalated, including students and journalists. President Emmanuel Macron recently announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood in September, though France insists Hamas must not govern post-war Gaza. – AFP
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Putin signs law fining searches for extremist content in Russia
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law imposing fines on internet users who search for content labelled as 'extremist' by authorities. The legislation, criticised as a crackdown on free expression, penalises individuals up to 5,000 rubles ($64) for accessing banned materials. The law targets searches for web pages, books, music, or artwork deemed extremist. Over 5,000 entries are on the official blacklist, including pro-Ukraine songs, Pussy Riot's blog posts, and anti-Putin websites. The State Duma passed the bill earlier this month despite opposition from some parliamentary groups. Russian opposition figure Boris Nadezhdin compared the law to George Orwell's dystopian novel *1984*, calling it a punishment for 'thought crimes.' The legislation also bans VPN advertisements and fines SIM card transfers, methods Russians use to bypass state censorship. Since its 2022 Ukraine offensive, Russia has intensified online restrictions, blocking platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Many citizens still access banned sites via VPNs, defying government controls. – AFP
