The best approach is to support the United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire from the two opposing sides, he added.

'With a ceasefire, a lot can be done to channel the humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

'At the same time, we see this resolution as the first concrete step towards something which is long lasting...something in which they have to come together and solve,' he said at a community dialogue with Punggol East residents and grassroots volunteers.

Israel's attacks in Gaza began 16 days ago, killing more than 800 Gazans. The Israeli death toll is more than a dozen.

Dr Yaacob, who is also Minister of the Environment and Water Resources, told reporters later that he was heartened by the response of the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore to the conflict, saying it has been 'very rational'.

Rather than be influenced by SMS calling for a boycott of US-made products, he urged the community to register their concerns at the national level.

He noted the Singapore Government had issued statements calling for an immediate ceasefire and for both parties to adopt the UN resolution.

'We know that these things are beyond our control, so we do the best we can,' he said, and cited the call for peace at prayer sessions in mosques and the community's fund-raising efforts.

The Islamic Religious Scholars and Religious Teachers' Association, or Pergas, organised prayer sessions at two mosques over the weekend.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) also started raising funds for the victims of the conflict, by placing donation boxes at all 69 mosques, among other things.

Muis also said in a statement that it is working with organisations of other faiths to collect donations. Details will be given later, it added.

These efforts were commended by Dr Yaacob who, however, felt a boycott of US goods was not 'sensible''.

There have been such calls in Malaysia and Indonesia. One SMS going around here called for the boycott of McDonald's fast-food outlets and Starbucks coffee.

Dr Yaacob told reporters: 'The most important thing is that we must not be affected by all the SMS that is flying around which may not be from Singapore.

'I don't think it is sensible for us to do some of the things mentioned, like boycotting products. It doesn't help.'