Singapore 'deeply concerned' by escalating violence in Israel, Palestinian Territories: MFA
A member of the Israeli security forces stands guard at the compound that houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem's Old City, on April 9, 2023.
SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Monday (April 10) that Singapore is “deeply concerned” over a recent escalation of violence in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
“We condemn the rocket attacks on Israel as well as separate attacks in Tel Aviv and the Jordan Valley which resulted in civilian casualties,” said an MFA spokesperson in a statement.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish those injured a swift recovery.”
Israeli-Palestinian tensions have sharply increased since Israeli police raids last week on the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, which caused outrage across the Arab world.
Israeli police raided the mosque — which is sacred to Muslims and Jews — to dislodge what they said were youths barricaded inside armed with rocks and fireworks.
The raid sparked rocket attacks on Israel by Palestinian factions that were met with Israeli strikes on sites in Gaza, south Lebanon and Syria.
Last Friday, two Israeli sisters from a settlement in the occupied West Bank were killed when their car came under fire by suspected Palestinian gunmen.
Hours later, an Italian tourist was killed when a car driven by a man from an Arab city in Israel ploughed into a group in a shoreline park in Tel Aviv.
In its statement on Monday, MFA also urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions to prevent further loss of lives”.
“All parties must respect the sanctity of religious sites such as the Al Aqsa Mosque to enable people to worship safely and in peace, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan,” the ministry added.
While there are no reports of Singaporeans affected by the attacks, Singaporeans travelling to Israel are strongly encouraged to e-register with the MFA.
Singaporeans in Israel should also be on high alert and monitor the news closely, MFA said.
They should follow instructions from the local authorities and take the necessary precautions for their personal safety.
Those who require consular assistance are advised to contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv or the 24-hour MFA duty office. WITH AGENCIES
