Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved by permanent forced displacement of Palestinians: MFA

SINGAPORE – The Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved by the permanent forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said.

In a statement on May 20, MFA also urged all parties involved to refrain from taking unilateral actions that hinder the peace process.

It reiterated Singapore’s calls for the “immediate, full resumption” of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and for a ceasefire to be implemented immediately.

MFA also called for the remaining hostages held by Hamas to be released immediately.

The statement said: “Singapore has consistently called for all parties in the conflict to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and ensure that all civilians are kept out of harm’s way.

“Civilian infrastructure including medical facilities, as well as medical workers, must be accorded due protection.”

MFA also underlined Singapore’s support for a negotiated two-state solution, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

It said: “This is the only viable path to achieving a comprehensive, just and durable solution to the longstanding Israel-Palestine conflict.”

The long-drawn conflict in the Middle East worsened on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas

launched an incursion into Israel

and killed about 1,200 people – mostly civilians – as well as seized 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The surprise attack resulted in Israel launching a military campaign that has displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza, with the death toll reaching more than 53,000 according to the Gaza health authorities.

Many fatalities were civilians.

A six-week ceasefire was put in place in early 2025, with Israel later

imposing an aid blockade in early March

, resulting in a global hunger monitor warning on May 12 that half a million people in Gaza face starvation.