Israel may be breaching international law by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 30).
Speaking in a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of the latter’s state visit to Singapore, Mr Wong said: “We have always said that Israel had a right to defend itself. Unfortunately, Israel’s response has gone too far and its actions have caused terrible humanitarian disaster; and the restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable.
“In our opinion, it may even be a likely breach of international humanitarian law. So it cannot be justified,” he added.
Earlier in May, Israel partially ended an 11-week long aid blockade on Gaza. Limited amount of relief has entered via the United Nations or the United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
“We join countries around the world to call for an immediate ceasefire; for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid; for the protection of civilians; and also for the return of hostages,” said Mr Wong on Friday.
“Beyond the current crisis itself, Singapore also supports the right of the Palestinian people to their own homeland. This has to be done as part of a negotiated two-state solution, because that is the only way for a comprehensive, just and durable solution to this long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.”
The prime minister noted international efforts on these fronts, including a United Nations conference which France and Saudi Arabia are co-hosting from Jun 17 to 20. It aims to lay out the parameters for a roadmap to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel’s security.
Singapore will participate in this conference and join the international community to work towards a durable solution, Mr Wong added.
Mr Macron meanwhile said during the presser that France could harden its position on Israel if it continues to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to Reuters.
“If there is no response that meets the humanitarian situation in the coming hours and days, obviously, we will have to toughen our collective position,” he said, speaking in French.
Reuters also reported Mr Macron saying the existence of a Palestinian state “is not just simply a moral duty but also a political necessity”.
On May 19, a joint statement by leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada also highlighted that Israel’s denial of humanitarian assistance risked breaching international humanitarian law.
