Vivian Balakrishnan discusses Gaza peace efforts in meetings with Israeli leaders
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TEL AVIV – Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has called for a lasting peace in the Middle East and urged all sides to uphold the terms of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas,
In his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem, they discussed the prospects for lasting peace in the region, especially Gaza, Dr Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post on Nov 6.
“Our sincere hope is that one day, Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security – a development that would profoundly reshape the region and beyond,” the minister added.
As part of his four-day trip to the Palestinian Territories and Israel, Dr Balakrishnan also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, and lawmakers Mansour Abbas, Avigdor Lieberman and Benny Gantz.
Speaking to Singapore reporters after the meetings, Dr Balakrishnan said they had “very candid, very frank exchanges”.
“Clearly, we have some differences of views with Israel,” he said. “At the same time, because of our longstanding relationship, I was able to convey these differences candidly, frankly, robustly, but still constructively.”
Noting that circumstances had shifted since his last visit in March 2024, Dr Balakrishnan said that with the ceasefire, the leaders he met had more bandwidth to think beyond the immediate pressures of the war and take a longer-term, strategic perspective.
In a Facebook post on Nov 6, Dr Balakrishnan said that discussions with Mr Netanyahu and Mr Sa’ar were wide-ranging, and touched on evolving developments in the region, including the situation in Gaza and the broader prospects for peace.
“I expressed Singapore’s support for the full implementation of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan. All sides should work towards a permanent ceasefire,” said Dr Balakrishnan.
The minister also urged expanding access to humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians, and touched on the need to prepare for the next phase of reconstruction.
“Singapore will continue to play our part, working with international partners to support these relief operations,” he said.
Dr Balakrishnan also conveyed to the leaders Singapore’s longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as the only viable option to achieve a comprehensive, just and durable solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Singapore’s relationship with Israel, built on mutual respect and cooperation, has enabled us to convey our views candidly, express our views constructively, and contribute, modestly, to support peace and stability in the region,” he said.
His visit comes during the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect in October following months of intense fighting in Gaza.
The truce has allowed humanitarian aid to flow into the enclave and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Dr Balakrishnan said he welcomed the return of the living hostages to their families.
In his meetings with the Israeli officials, he also expressed Singapore’s concern for Palestinian civilians in Gaza under the fragile ceasefire.
“All parties must uphold the terms of the agreement and work towards the next phase – so that the reconstruction of Gaza can begin once a permanent ceasefire is in place,” he said.
Dr Balakrishnan also visited Ramallah earlier in the week and met Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Estephan Salameh and former prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh.
He also witnessed the handover of the Singapore Government’s US$500,000 (S$653,000) donation to the World Food Programme
He told reporters on Nov 6 that he was a bit more hopeful than he was on his previous visit. “All wars need to end, and they end not on the battlefield but at the negotiating table,” he said.
“The Israelis know that Singapore has always stood for the self-determination and the right of the Palestinians to a homeland of their own.”
