Watch in full: Singapore parliament discusses Israel-Hamas war

SINGAPORE: Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday (Nov 6) discussed the Israel-Hamas war, with more than 30 parliamentary questions filed on the conflict, ranging from the provision of humanitarian aid to Singapore's position on the war.

A motion about the conflict was filed by MP Vikram Nair (PAP-Sembawang), MP Alex Yam (PAP-Marsiling-Yew Tee), and MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (PAP-Chua Chu Kang).

• The motion seeks to express condolences to the innocent victims and civilian casualties in the war, as well as advocate the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza.
• It also condemns those responsible for the terrorist acts and violations of international law, and calls for all parties to ensure the safety and security of civilians, including the release of all hostages.
• The motion also reiterates Singapore’s longstanding commitment to a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and urges all Singaporeans to safeguard and uphold its multiracial and multi-religious peace and harmony.

Earlier in the sitting, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and other ministries will provide a response to the queries on the order paper during the debate on the motion. 

"Any MP who wishes to seek clarifications on the government's response may also do so during the debate on the motion," said Dr Balakrishnan, adding that there is strong public interest in this topic.

Later, in a full speech expressing support for the motion, the Foreign Minister spelt out the principles underpinning the government's position on the conflict in the Middle East, while noting that it was a reminder to all Singaporeans that national interests are at stake.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also rose to speak, telling the House that security agencies have been on heightened alert, having observed an uptick in anti-Singapore rhetoric, including violent threats against Singapore by regional extremist elements online.

Authorities in Singapore have also rejected five applications to use the Speakers' Corner for events related to the war, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim told the House.

Among others who spoke were Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin (PAP-Ang Mo Kio), MP Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar), MP Xie Yao Quan (PAP-Jurong), NCMP Leong Mun Wai (PSP) and NMPs.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected growing calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, with military specialists saying that forces are set to intensify their operations against militant group Hamas. 

Netanyahu demanded the return of the more than 240 hostages that Hamas took during its Oct 7 attack on Israel.