Singapore says denial of aid in Gaza violates international humanitarian law

SINGAPORE: Singapore on Thursday (Jul 24) issued its strongest comments yet on the situation in Gaza, saying that mass starvation caused by the denial of aid constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.

In remarks released on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) described the impact of Israel’s ongoing military response as “unconscionable” and called for an immediate ceasefire.

"The prolonged suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza arising from the excessive Israeli military reaction to the terror attacks of Hamas since Oct 7, 2023, is unconscionable. Israel must comply with its international humanitarian obligations," said an MFA spokesperson.

"The denial of humanitarian aid has caused mass starvation and a dire lack of essential medical services. The reports of people being shot whilst desperately trying to access food are shocking," said the spokesperson.

"This is a violation of international humanitarian law."

All civilians must be protected, especially those accessing humanitarian supplies, the spokesperson added.

"Permanent forced displacement is a further violation of international humanitarian law."

Singapore called on the Israeli government to immediately lift all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to allow the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to resume its operations.

On Wednesday, World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that Gaza is facing a "man-made" mass starvation, pointing to the ongoing Israeli blockade and restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries.

Israel has justified the restrictions as necessary to prevent aid from being diverted to militants, and maintains it has facilitated the delivery of adequate food supplies.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 100 people have died from starvation since the conflict began.

The WHO added that at least 21 children have died from malnutrition this year, though it cautioned that the actual toll is likely much higher.

Thursday's remarks mark the first time Singapore has explicitly described the situation in Gaza as a violation of international humanitarian law.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in May that by restricting aid into Gaza, Israel's actions may be a "likely breach of international humanitarian law". 

"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," said Mr Wong on May 30.

In Thursday's remarks, Singapore urged Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.

It also reiterated its longstanding call for a two-state solution, saying that it was the "only viable path" for both Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side "with peace, security, and dignity".

"The current trajectory of events will only make this eventual goal even more difficult to achieve, and condemn both Israelis and Palestinians to an endless cycle of mutual hatred and violence," said the MFA spokesperson.