SINGAPORE – Applications to hold public events and assemblies in relation to the Israel-Hamas war will be rejected, the police and the National Parks Board (NParks) said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

The police assessed that there were public safety and security concerns associated with such events, given the heightened tensions, which NParks shared.

In a joint statement, they said: “The police will not grant any permit for assemblies that advocate political causes of other countries or foreign entities, or may have the potential to stir emotions and lead to public order incidents.”

They added: “The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let events happening externally affect the internal situation within Singapore.

“Given the sensitivity of the topic and the volatility of the situation overseas, there is a real risk that such events could give rise to public disorder. As such, applications to hold such events will be turned down.”

There have been numerous incidents of violence reported in many countries amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the statement said.

For instance, it added, an Israeli employee from the Israeli Embassy in Beijing was stabbed in front of a supermarket, while a French school teacher was fatally stabbed by a Chechen man in France last Friday.

Also, a Palestinian-American boy, six, was allegedly stabbed to death by his landlord in suburban Chicago last Saturday, with his mother badly wounded as well.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war was sparked by a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct 7, drawing retaliatory strikes by Israel. More than 1,400 Israelis and at least 3,300 Palestinians have died since then.

The Straits Times is aware of two planned events in Singapore in relation to the Israel-Hamas war, both of which were publicised on TikTok.

One, titled Singapore X Palestine Protest, was to be held at Marina Barrage on Wednesday at 6pm. The other, Peace Rally for Palestine, was slated to take place on Sunday at Hong Lim Park from 5pm to 8pm.

Ms Siti Hajar Johari, the organiser of Peace Rally for Palestine, told The Straits Times: “It’s sad that we are unable to hold a peaceful rally to show our support for the people of Gaza.

“We do not support Hamas, but we need to stand up for the innocent civilians that are caught in the crossfire.”

According to NParks’ website, anyone wishing to use Speakers’ Corner at Hong Lim Park for an event must apply for a permit. Non-Singapore citizens and non-Singapore entities must also apply for a police permit to organise or assist in the organising of an event at the venue.

Non-Singapore citizens must also obtain a police permit to engage in public speaking at Speakers’ Corner.

Individuals are also advised to avoid making insensitive or offensive remarks about race or religion, which may threaten Singapore’s racial and religious harmony.

Under the Penal Code, those who deliberately say words to wound the racial feelings of a person can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.

Those who knowingly promote or try to promote, on the grounds of race, disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will between different racial groups can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.

Those who commit an act prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different racial groups, which disturbs or is likely to disturb public tranquillity, can be jailed for up to three years, fined, or both.

Under the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act, those who knowingly engage in conduct on the grounds of religion or religious belief or activity that urges violence against a target person or target group, or knowingly engage in conduct urging violence against a target person or target group distinguished by religion or religious belief or activity, can be jailed for up to 10 years, fined, or both.

Those who knowingly engage in conduct that incites feelings of enmity, hatred, ill will or hostility against any target group distinguished by religion, religious belief or activity, knowing that such feelings against the target group are likely to occur, and where such feelings would threaten the public peace or public order in Singapore, can be jailed for up to five years, fined, or both.

Those who knowingly engage in conduct that insults the religion or religious belief or activity, or wounds the religious feelings of, a target person distinguished by religion or religious belief or activity, knowing that such insult or wounding is likely to occur, and where the insult or wounding would threaten the public peace or public order in Singapore, can be jailed for up to five years, fined, or both.

The police said they take a serious view of acts that could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony in Singapore.

Any person who makes remarks or acts in a manner that potentially causes ill will and hostility between different races or religious groups in Singapore will be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with the law.

• Additional reporting by Christie Chiu