Singapore gravely concerned about resumption of hostilities in Gaza: MFA

SINGAPORE - Singapore is gravely concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, which has resulted in an increasing number of civilian casualties, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on March 19.

Urging all parties to “resume negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire”, the spokesperson said all civilians must be protected according to international humanitarian law.

All hostages should also be released immediately and the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza should not be impeded, the statement added.

Israeli air strikes have

killed more than 400 people in Gaza

so far since March 18, after negotiations failed to continue a ceasefire in January that halted attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes because Hamas had rejected proposals to secure a ceasefire extension.

In February, MFA

reiterated Singapore’s longstanding support

for the right of the Palestinian people to a homeland of their own.

MFA said a negotiated two-state solution is the only viable path to achieving a “comprehensive, just and durable” solution to the conflict, adding that Singapore will work closely with the Palestinian Authority to enhance its capacity for administration and reconstruction.