In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Members of Parliament from the Workers’ Party (WP) have received numerous emails and representations from concerned Singaporeans.
These messages call for an immediate halt of hostilities and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
On 18 October 2023, the WP addressed these concerns in a statement titled “The Situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip.”
Condemnation for the Killing of Non-Combatants
The WP has expressed concern about the Israeli Defence Forces’ previous military actions in the Gaza Strip.
These actions, undertaken in response to militant operations, including those by Hamas, have been characterised by “overwhelming disproportionality”.
WP made the statement, citing reports from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
“We fear this reality will repeat itself in the coming days, weeks and months,” it added, citing the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The WP emphasised the “flagrant disregard” for international legal frameworks such as the Geneva Convention and the United Nations (UN) Charter.
They stated that the occupation of territory acquired through armed conflict by any sovereign nation is contrary to Singapore’s national interests.
WP further asserted that any act of war resulting in the loss of innocent lives, non-combatants, women and children by any country or organisation warrants nothing less than “absolute condemnation”.
Emphasis on Singapore’s Stance on a Two-State Solution
“The WP supports Singapore’s long-held position that a two-state solution consistent with UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions is the only viable path to a durable, just and comprehensive resolution to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine,” WP said.
Furthermore, the WP referred to UNSC Resolution 242, a resolution supported by Singapore, which advocates the withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian territories occupied since the 1967 war in exchange for a “lasting peace” with its neighbouring nations.
The WP also voiced concerns regarding the ongoing conflict’s potential to exacerbate attacks against Jews and Muslims outside the Middle East, thereby heightening the risk of radicalisation on a global scale.
Such a scenario would compromise the safety of all nations, particularly those with diverse and harmonious multi-racial and multi-cultural communities.
“All Singaporeans should be aware and mindful of this possibility, and play an active part to prevent it from happening on our shores,” WP added.
Call for the Cessation of All Military Operations in the Gaza Strip
In the statement, the WP also called on Israel to stop collective punishment of civilians, cease all military operations in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza immediately.
“At the same time, we call for the immediate return of all Israeli hostages captured in Hamas’ military operation in Southern Israel on 7 October 2023,” it added.
“De-escalation by all parties must be followed by a withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territories, followed by serious negotiations to achieve a lasting peace in the Holy Land; a peace that legitimises the existence of the state of Israel, and establishes a viable Palestinian state.”
In response to the Workers’ Party’s statement, many folks on Facebook have shared their thoughts and opinions.
Many have taken the opportunity to commend the WP for addressing this critical issue, expressing their hope that the statement will contribute to the preservation of racial harmony in Singapore.