Singapore welcomes UN Security Council’s adoption of US resolution on Trump’s Gaza peace plan

SINGAPORE – Singapore said on Nov 18 the

adoption by the UN Security Council of a US-drafted resolution

endorsing US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza “is a significant step forward towards a lasting peace” in the enclave.

“It is critical that the current ceasefire be maintained by all parties, and to allow for the swift and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.

The ministry added that Singapore “will contribute to international efforts for the reconstruction of Gaza upon a permanent ceasefire being secured”.

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed in October to the first phase of Mr Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza – a ceasefire in their two-year war and a hostage-release deal.

The Security Council approved a resolution backing the plan in a move the US said would help bolster the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

The top decision-making body at the UN saw 13 votes on Nov 17 in support of the US-led proposal, with Russia and China abstaining.

The MFA said Singapore also welcomes the US proposal to push for dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians so that both sides can agree on “a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence”.

“We support the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and their own state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions,” the ministry added.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on Sept 22 that Singapore

will recognise the state of Palestine

when it has an effective government that accepts Israel’s right to exist and categorically renounces terrorism.

At the same time, he added, Singapore’s support for a two-state solution means it will oppose any steps by Israel to extinguish or undermine such an outcome.

“Singapore cannot recognise any unilateral annexation of occupied territory, because this would be a flagrant breach of international law,” he told Parliament.