MFA reiterates Singapore’s longstanding support for Palestinians’ right to a homeland of their own

SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has reiterated Singapore’s longstanding support for the right of Palestinian people to a homeland of their own.

In a statement on Feb 7, an MFA spokesperson said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in Parliament on Feb 4 that Singapore supports the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland of their own.

A negotiated two-state solution

that is consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions is the only viable path to achieving a “comprehensive, just, and durable” solution to this longstanding conflict, the statement added.

“Singapore will work closely with the Palestinian Authority, especially through our Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, to enhance their capacity for administration and reconstruction,” said the spokesperson.

Earlier in the week,

US President Donald Trump proposed a plan to “take over” the Gaza Strip,

have Palestinians resettle in other countries and to remodel the territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East”.

Mr Trump’s comments, which were made during a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have sparked backlash from leaders worldwide.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Mr Trump

to avoid ethnic cleansing

, and warned against making the problem worse while in search of solutions.

“We must reaffirm the two-state solution,” said Mr Guterres.

Malaysia and Indonesia have also issued their strong opposition

against any plan that could lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians.

Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry said that “such inhumane actions constitute ethnic cleansing and are a clear violation of international law and multiple UN resolutions”.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said the country “strongly rejects any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians, or alter the demographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territory”.

In Parliament on Feb 4, Dr Balakrishnan said

Singapore will send a seventh tranche of aid to Gaza,

consisting of essential items and medical supplies.

“We hope that the leaders on both sides will find the political will, courage and imagination to resume direct negotiations, although we know that these will be very difficult in the light of the very painful 16 months that have just passed,” said Dr Balakrishnan.