Vivian Balakrishnan calls on Israel, Palestinian Authority to return to two-state talks

SINGAPORE - Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has called on Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) to return to direct talks on a two-state solution that offers the “only viable pathway” towards peace.

He spoke with the PA’s Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin on Sept 9, and with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Moshe Sa’ar on Sept 10, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Sept 10.

In “candid and open discussions” with both ministers, Dr Balakrishnan underscored Singapore’s “grave concern” over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

He reiterated Singapore’s firm position that only a negotiated two-state solution, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, offers a “comprehensive, just and durable resolution” to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

During his call with Dr Aghabekian, Dr Balakrishnan reaffirmed Singapore’s longstanding support

for the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood

.

He highlighted Singapore’s commitment to contribute to international relief efforts for Palestinians in Gaza, including

nine tranches of aid worth over $22 million

and multiple humanitarian airdrops, the most recent one involving a Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 aircraft deployed to Jordan.

Dr Aghabekian, in turn, expressed appreciation for Singapore’s help, including for the PA’s capacity-building initiatives to prepare its people for their eventual statehood.

Among these initiatives are the $10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, a joint programme with Japan to train Palestinian Civil Police officers, and a

new Young Leaders Programme

in public administration and governance.

In his conversation with Mr Sa’ar, Dr Balakrishnan conveyed Singapore’s serious concerns about Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza.

He acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence following the

Oct 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks

, but stressed that “excessive military action” has deepened civilian suffering in Gaza.

He also urged Israel to facilitate the “immediate, swift and unimpeded” delivery of humanitarian aid, and “strongly urged” the country against unilateral measures that would jeopardise the prospects of the two-state solution.

Dr Balakrishnan further reiterated Singapore’s view that

Israel’s air strike on Doha on Sept 9

violated Qatar’s sovereignty and undermined ceasefire negotiations and hostage-release efforts.

The MFA

said in an earlier statement on Sept 10

that the air strike was a “blatant violation of the sovereignty of Qatar”, and an “egregious and dangerous action”.