Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on what Singapore is doing for Gaza following peace deal

Key Concepts

• Trump Peace Plan (First Phase)
• Two-State Solution
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Transitional Authority
• Palestinian Authority (PA) Capacity Building
• Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP)
• United Nations Security Council Resolution
• Board of Peace (for Gaza Administration)
• Multi-racial, Multi-religious Society (Singapore's identity)

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Singapore's Stance on the Israel-Hamas Agreement and Peace Process

Singapore welcomes the agreement reached on October 9th by Israel and Hamas, marking the first phase of the Trump peace plan. Minister Balakrishnan commended President Trump, his negotiating team (including Steve Witkov, Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner), and the "invaluable part played by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey." He highlighted America's role as an "indispensable superpower with real leverage" in bringing the warring parties to this point.

The first phase involves a ceasefire and the release of hostages, at least those who are alive. The Minister stressed that this is a "critical plan" and a "first step of what will in fact be a long and arduous journey to peace," cautioning against illusions as "many things can still go wrong."

Essential Next Steps and Singapore's Role

The immediate essential steps identified are:

1. Surge in Humanitarian Assistance: Singapore is committed to increasing its contributions.
2. Establishment of a Transitional Authority: This is currently "still in Kuwait" and premature to discuss in detail.
3. United Nations Security Council Resolution: To provide an international legal framework for the arrangements.
4. Palestinian Authority (PA) Reform: The PA has committed to reform as part of the plan.

Singapore unequivocally supports a two-state solution, believing Palestinians have a right to self-determination, and that a negotiated two-state solution should emerge. The current agreement "sets the stage where it is possible to imagine a negotiated two-state solution can emerge," but it is "not sufficient" on its own.

Singapore's Humanitarian and Capacity Building Efforts

Humanitarian Front:

• Past Efforts: Over the past two years, Singapore has worked closely with the Egyptian Red Crescent, the Jordanian Hashimite Charity Organization, the World Food Program, and several Egyptian hospitals. A medical team from NU (National University) was recently deployed. Hospital ships have also been deployed to provide medical treatment.
• Immediate Focus: The immediate acceleration of humanitarian assistance hinges on the opening of overland routes, which is "crucial if humanitarian assistance is going to be delivered at the scale necessary." Singapore expects the Israelis "to do their part to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance overland through the crossings into Gaza."
• Coordination: Singapore's approach is to "fit in" with the needs identified by "people on the ground" and coordinate with international aid agencies like the UN and World Food Program, rather than imposing its own ideas or duplicating efforts.

Palestinian Authority Capacity Building:

• Singapore has been working with the PA for years through "capacity building programs, technical assistance, more recently scholarships."
• Objective: To enhance the PA's capacity to exercise "effective administrative oversight" and "exercise the levers of government in their eventual statehood."
• Future Engagement: Singapore expects to "increase the tempo of our interaction with the Palestinian Authority" to help them fulfill their ambition, particularly in exercising governance in Gaza, an area where they have not been able to for two decades. This will be responsive to the PA's assessment of its own needs.

Responses to Members of Parliament's Questions

Medical and Educational Support (Mr. Hung):

• Medical: Minister Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore's existing contributions and willingness to do more, but emphasized that future efforts depend on "access, security, and on the needs." He noted that the current medical needs are for "difficult sequelae" like amputations, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological trauma, requiring specialized care. Deployment locations are dictated by "exigencies on the ground" and staff safety.
• Education: Acknowledging few Arab fluent speakers in Singapore, the Minister suggested "train the trainer programs" and a long-term focus on vocational education and training to equip Palestinians with necessary skills. He advocated a "stepwise fashion" for such initiatives.
• Peacekeeping: Deemed "premature," awaiting a UN Security Council resolution before considering any commitments.

Credibility of Peace Deal and Nobel Peace Prize (Mr. Zilan Abdul Rahim):

• The Minister affirmed that while the agreement is a "great achievement," it is a "first and essential step but not sufficient" for achieving lasting peace, security, development, hope, or a two-state solution.
• He reiterated Singapore's consistent position on Palestinian self-determination and a negotiated two-state solution.
• Regarding a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for President Trump, the Minister did not directly answer, instead focusing on the long and arduous nature of the conflict and Singapore's principled approach.

Singapore's Role in Gaza Administration and Civil Administration Expertise (Mr. Joam):

• Board of Peace: Minister Balakrishnan stated, "We are not campaigning to be on the board of peace." He emphasized Singapore's approach to "do more, say less, be quietly helpful and constructive, work from the ground up."
• Civil Administrators: While acknowledging Singapore's "clear comparative advantage" in civil administration and nation-building expertise, the Minister explained that Singapore's engagement with the PA goes beyond the regular Singapore Cooperation Program (SCP). It involves regular senior-level meetings and customized programs where the PA takes the lead in identifying their needs. He stressed that an "understated, more discreet, behind the scenes, helpful, respectful approach is more appropriate for us in Singapore."

Complementing Aid and Singapore's Identity (Mr. Pong):

• Aid Coordination: Singapore ensures its aid complements international efforts by allowing "people on the ground to decide what is needed and to coordinate and then we fit in." This avoids imposing Singapore's ideas or seeking undue attention.
• Why it Matters: Sustaining engagement matters to Singaporeans for several reasons:
  1. It is an "expression of Singaporeans innate generosity and compassion."
  2. Singapore's "multi-religious multi-racial" diversity resonates significantly in the Middle East, offering an example of unity amidst diversity, contrasting with conflicts "turbocharged by appeals to religious and other tribal instincts."
  3. It reflects Singapore's identity as a small nation that stands on its own feet and generously helps others, showcasing the "basic decency and goodwill and generosity that exists in the heart of all Singaporeans."

Financial Contributions to Palestinian Authority (Mr. LoQu):

• Regarding joining a coalition for the PA's financial sustainability, the Minister deemed it "premature" but stated he would be happy to share if a specific program or need arises.

Conclusion

Singapore's engagement in the Israel-Hamas peace process and humanitarian efforts is characterized by a pragmatic, principled, and understated approach. While welcoming the initial peace agreement as a crucial first step, Singapore remains realistic about the significant challenges ahead in achieving a lasting two-state solution. Its contributions focus on coordinated humanitarian aid, capacity building for the Palestinian Authority, and leveraging its unique identity as a multi-racial, multi-religious society to foster peace and reconciliation, all while prioritizing quiet, constructive assistance over seeking prominent positions or imposing its will.