Singapore hands over S$2 million in public donations for humanitarian aid to Gaza
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CAIRO: Singapore on Friday (Nov 10) handed over S$2 million (US$1.47 million) in public donations for humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza embattled by the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.
The sum represents the first tranche raised by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), which on Oct 19 launched a fundraiser for humanitarian relief to the Palestinian territory.
As of Nov 10 noon, about S$5.7 million has been donated by Singaporeans through the non-profit organisation.
RLAF CEO Muhammad Faizal Othman said the public support from Singapore has been “extraordinary”, with people from all walks of life contributing to the cause.
“It’s really about relationships. We are able to collectively support this humanitarian cause because the relationship between the communities in Singapore is strong, harmonious and peaceful.”
ENSURING CONTINUAL SUPPLY OF RELIEF
The handover to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was witnessed by Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman in Cairo.
Egypt's Rafah border crossing has been the only entry point for humanitarian aid going into Gaza.
A second tranche of US$100,000 worth of humanitarian goods from the Singapore Red Cross to the Egyptian Red Crescent was also announced.
These include medical supplies, food provisions, drinking water and hygiene kits for people in Gaza, where authorities say over 11,000 people have been killed in Israeli retaliation to an Oct 7 surprise siege by Hamas that left a reported 1,200 dead.
The first tranche of USS$200,000 worth of relief supplies from SRC was sent earlier in November.
When CNA visited the Egyptian Red Crescent headquarters about 300km from the Gaza Strip, volunteers were packing and sorting out supplies donated from around the world.
These included staples such as flour and other food provisions like formula milk for babies, canned foods and potable water and medical supplies like bandage and antiseptic lotion.
Blankets had also been loaded onto trucks to reach Gaza.
Mr Sahari Ani, group director and dean of the Singapore Red Cross Academy, said the focus of its efforts is to help its counterpart Egyptian Red Crescent ensure a sustainable supply of relief items and assistance.
“What we have been doing for the past days is to regularly communicate with them (and) continually identify the evolving needs on the ground. With that, I regularly updated our counterparts in Singapore, so we are able to make an informed decision to identify the area of support to our counterpart."
He said various humanitarian agencies have been working together to address the needs of the people amid a complex environment.
“For me, I think whichever part that we do, even supporting in terms of volunteering resources to this collective effort, plays an important role.”
"DEEPENING HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN GAZA IS A TRAGEDY"
In a statement issued by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry (MFA), Dr Maliki said: “The deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a tragedy, and there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance to be extended to the civilians in Gaza.
"I am proud that Singaporeans have stepped up generously to support these needs,” he added.
Dr Maliki, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Education, was briefed separately by Egyptian Red Crescent and UNRWA on the latest situation at Rafah crossing and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He also met Egyptian leaders and affirmed Singapore’s support for humanitarian relief efforts by the Egyptian government, the UN and others to alleviate the "dire" situation in Gaza, said MFA.
Singapore has voted in favour of a UN resolution to protect civilians and uphold legal and humanitarian obligations amid the conflict.
On Monday, lawmakers unanimously passed a parliamentary motion which included advocating the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza residents.
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said during the session that Singaporeans had donated nearly S$5 million in total to fundraising drives by SRC and RLAF.
Israel continues to face pressure to protect civilians amid pleas for a ceasefire and warnings of an escalating "catastrophe" in Gaza, where food, water and medicine are in short supply.
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SITUATION ON THE GROUND IS "CATASTROPHIC"
“The situation on the ground right now couldn’t be more catastrophic,” said UNRWA senior humanitarian principles coordinator Andrew Hyslop, adding that the organisation is trying to provide aid such as medical assistance and food to people who need them.
“We are trying to scale up and deliver assistance to people in need, but the situation is very difficult.”
Mr Hyslop said the needs on the ground are “just incredible and they are only increasing”.
“We are not talking about a static humanitarian crisis where the suffering is done. There continues to be active military operations in Gaza,” he added.
“What is needed here right now more than anything is a ceasefire. We need a humanitarian ceasefire. There needs to be an end to the bombing, to give a respite to the people in Gaza, and to allow them to be able to move to access services and assistance.”
Mr Hyslop said that public support is critical and essential in saving lives.
“It is so important that the world understands the needs and the suffering of the people in Gaza,” he added.
“And we've seen through this outpouring of support, that the people of Singapore have seen that, and they understand it and they're responding.”
