Singapore welcomes UN call for humanitarian pauses in Gaza, reiterates call for 'immediate, safe and unhindered' aid to civilians
Singapore deeply regrets the impact of Israel’s military operations at the Al Shifa hospital, says its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that Hamas should not use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, for military purposes or use civilians as human shields.
Smoke rises above Gaza, as seen from southern Israel, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, on Nov 15, 2023. (Photo: Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko)
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SINGAPORE: Every effort must be made for the "immediate, safe and unhindered" provision of aid to civilians in Gaza, Singapore said on Friday (Nov 17) as it welcomed the United Nations' (UN) call for humanitarian pauses in the Palestinian enclave.
UN Security Council resolution 2712 called for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) noted in a statement.
The UN Security Council adopted the resolution on Wednesday. It won the support of 12 of the 15 council members in its call for "urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip for a sufficient number of days" to allow aid to reach civilians in the besieged territory.
The resolution also called on all parties to comply with international humanitarian obligations "notably with regard to the protection of civilians, especially children".
Singapore remains "deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza", MFA said in a press statement on Friday.
"Every effort must be made for the immediate, safe, and unhindered provision of humanitarian aid to affected civilians throughout Gaza," it added.
"Singapore reiterates its call for the immediate and safe release of civilian hostages in Gaza."
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Singapore also "deeply regrets" the impact of Israel's military operations at the Al Shifa hospital, MFA said on Friday.
Israel said on Thursday its troops were searching through the hospital, more than a day after they entered its grounds as part of an offensive Israel says aims to wipe out Hamas militants in Gaza.
"We strongly urge Israel to do its utmost to protect all civilians and medical facilities in Gaza, said MFA, as it urges all parties to "comply fully with international humanitarian law".
Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, should be protected, it added.
"Hamas should not use these premises for military purposes or use civilians as human shields.
"Singapore will continue to work closely with our humanitarian partners to offer additional assistance and support to the Palestinian people."
