SINGAPORE: Singapore will proceed to work with its companions within the Center East to ship help to Gaza regardless of Israel’s resolution to ban the United Nations company for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) from working in Israel and annexed east Jerusalem.
Singapore’s Minister for Overseas Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan mentioned 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 offer 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 think about airdropping extra help 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 mentioned.
“This can hamper the supply of humanitarian aid 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 other than UNRWA, Singapore had labored with a variety of totally different companions within the area to offer assist to Gaza’s civilians.
These embody nations like Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus, and humanitarian companies reminiscent of UNICEF, the Egyptian Crimson 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 mentioned.
