SINGAPORE: Singapore will proceed to work with its companions within the Center East to ship assist to Gaza regardless of Israel’s determination to ban the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from working in Israel and annexed east Jerusalem.
Singapore’s Minister for Overseas Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan stated this on Tuesday (Nov 12) in response to a parliamentary query requested by MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (PAP-Chua Chu Kang).
In his query, Mr Zhulkarnain had requested how Singapore would proceed to supply help to Gaza in gentle of Israel’s transfer and the way it could proceed to assist UNRWA’s work. He additionally requested if the federal government would contemplate airdropping extra assist into Gaza.
In a written reply to the query, Dr Balakrishnan expressed concern over the ban.
“Singapore is deeply involved concerning the latest passage of laws within the Israeli Knesset prohibiting UNRWA’s exercise inside Israel’s territory and banning contact by state authorities with UNRWA,” he stated.
“This can hamper the supply of humanitarian reduction to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Financial institution.
“We urge all events to respect and assist the humanitarian function performed by the UN companies within the Palestinian Territories, permit them unimpeded entry to hold out their work, and make sure the security of their employees.”
Dr Balakrishnan, nonetheless, famous that aside from UNRWA, Singapore had labored with numerous completely different companions within the area to supply assist to Gaza’s civilians.
These embrace nations like Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus, and humanitarian companies corresponding to UNICEF, the Egyptian Pink Crescent and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Group.
“We are going to proceed to work with companions within the area to ship help to the affected civilians in Gaza,” he stated.