While Israel has a right to defend itself, its response has ‘gone too far’ and is unacceptable, he says
[SINGAPORE] Israel’s restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza are a likely breach of international humanitarian law and cannot be justified, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (May 30).
He was speaking at a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron during the French leader’s two-day state visit to Singapore.
While Singapore has always said that Israel has a right to defend itself, its response has “gone too far and its actions have caused a terrible humanitarian disaster”, said PM Wong.
“The restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable,” he added. “In our opinion, they may even be a likely breach of international humanitarian law.”
Singapore joins countries around the world to call for an immediate ceasefire, the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, protection of civilians and the return of hostages, he said.
“Beyond the current crisis itself, Singapore also supports the right of the Palestinian people to their own homeland,” he said, reiterating that this has to be part of a negotiated two-state solution.
He noted the international efforts on both fronts for a ceasefire, including those by France and Saudi Arabia. Singapore will join next month’s international conference to work towards a durable solution, he added.
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