Foreign minister presses Israel and Palestinian Authority to resume direct peace talks amid escalating crisis.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has spoken separately with his Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, reaffirming Singapore’s support for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace.

Calls With Palestinian and Israeli Leaders

On September 9 and 10, Dr Balakrishnan held separate discussions with Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, the Palestinian Authority’s foreign minister, and Mr Gideon Moshe Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the talks were “candid and open,” focusing on the worsening situation in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian relief.

Reaffirming Support for Palestinians

Dr Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s longstanding support for the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood. He highlighted ongoing contributions, including nine tranches of aid worth over S$22 million and multiple humanitarian airdrops, one involving an RSAF C-130 aircraft deployed to Jordan. Singapore also continues to fund capacity-building initiatives, such as the S$10 million Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, training Palestinian officials in areas like urban planning and fiscal policy.

Addressing Israeli Concerns

In his conversation with Mr Sa’ar, Dr Balakrishnan acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defence following the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, 2023. However, he warned that “excessive military action” has worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and prolonged civilian suffering. He strongly urged Israel to allow the swift, unimpeded delivery of aid and to avoid unilateral actions that could undermine peace prospects.

Condemnation of Doha Airstrikes

Singapore also joined global condemnation of Israel’s September 9 airstrikes in Doha, which targeted Hamas leaders but were seen as a “blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.” Dr Balakrishnan warned that the attacks undermined ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, jeopardising regional stability.

A Call for a Two-State Solution

Throughout the discussions, Dr Balakrishnan underscored Singapore’s conviction that a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with United Nations Security Council resolutions, remains the “only comprehensive, just, and durable resolution” to the conflict. He urged both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to return to direct talks without delay.

Singapore’s diplomatic outreach reflects both its humanitarian commitment and its belief in diplomacy as the cornerstone of Middle East peace. By coupling aid with strong calls for restraint and negotiations, Singapore positions itself as a consistent advocate for dialogue, reinforcing the urgency of reviving the two-state solution while alleviating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Sources: CNA (2025) , Straits Times (2025)

Keywords: Vivian Balakrishnan, Gaza Aid, Israel Palestine, Two-State Solution, Singapore Diplomacy, Humanitarian Crisis