SINGAPORE: Singapore welcomes the ceasefire and hostage return agreement between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong mentioned on Friday (Jan 17), shortly earlier than the deal was anticipated to be ratified.
“There was an excessive amount of loss and struggling over the previous 15 months,” mentioned Mr Wong in a Fb publish late on Friday.
“Whereas that is simply the primary section, we hope the settlement can be absolutely applied, to make sure the everlasting cessation of hostilities, and the discharge of all hostages,” he mentioned.
“Specifically, we have to rapidly put an finish to the catastrophic humanitarian disaster in Gaza, the place situations proceed to deteriorate.”
The accord outlined a six-week preliminary ceasefire, which incorporates the discharge of hostages taken by militant group Hamas in change for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Other than the discharge of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the ceasefire deal paves the way in which for more humanitarian aid to be despatched.
Israel’s Cupboard was anticipated to fulfill on Friday to offer remaining ratification to the settlement, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned was anticipated to take impact on Sunday.
Singapore Overseas Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan mentioned on Thursday that Second Minister for Overseas Affairs Mohamad Maliki Osman will go to Jordan to current a cheque to a charity organisation, whereas Singapore will send further humanitarian supplies to the Palestinians.
Mr Wong famous that thus far, Singapore and Singaporeans have donated over S$19 million (US$13.9 million) in help and 6 tranches of help to the Palestinian individuals.
“Within the coming weeks, we intend to ship further humanitarian provides. Singapore will proceed to do what we are able to to help humanitarian initiatives in Gaza,” he mentioned on Friday.
Mr Wong added that Singapore stays steadfast in its help for a negotiated two-state answer according to related UN Safety Council resolutions.
“Each Israelis and Palestinians need to stay as everlasting neighbours in peace, safety, and dignity,” he mentioned.
