SINGAPORE, Sept 23 — Singapore will continue to back a negotiated two-state solution as the “only path to a durable peace” between Israelis and Palestinians, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said, while warning that the city-state could tighten its stance if violence escalates.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Wong stressed that Singapore has “long supported” the Palestinian people’s right to a homeland but insisted there is “no other alternative” to a settlement achieved through negotiations.
“Regrettably, extremist elements on both sides are undermining prospects for a two-state solution,” he wrote.
Wong announced that Singapore will impose targeted sanctions on leaders of radical settler groups accused of violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
He also said the republic would recognise a Palestinian state only when there is an “effective government” that both accepts Israel’s right to exist and “categorically renounces terrorism”.
The remarks followed parliamentary statements by Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and other senior officials, who underscored Singapore’s position as the war in Gaza continues.
Wong said the government is “closely monitoring developments and would reconsider its stance if the situation deteriorates”.
Describing the fighting in Gaza as “horrific” and “painful to watch”, Wong urged Singaporeans not to let the conflict sow discord at home.
“Let us stay united as one people — and, together, do our part to build peace both in Singapore and beyond our shores,” he said.
Singapore has committed more than S$24 million (RM78.5 million) in humanitarian and medical aid for Gaza and continues to support capacity-building programmes for the Palestinian Authority to help prepare for eventual statehood.
