Singapore has voiced deep alarm over the renewed outbreak of violence in Gaza, where Israeli air strikes have killed more than 400 people since 18 March 2025, following the collapse of ceasefire talks earlier this year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement on 19 March urging all parties to return to negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, while stressing the need to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.
The latest escalation has seen harrowing scenes of displacement, with images emerging of Palestinian families, including children, fleeing Beit Hanun in the northern Gaza Strip under Israeli evacuation orders on 19 March. The MFA also called for the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory, as the civilian toll continues to mount.
A Deadly Resumption of Hostilities
The current wave of violence marks a grim turn after a fragile ceasefire, brokered in January 2025, broke down due to stalled negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he ordered the strikes in response to Hamas rejecting proposals to extend the truce. The bombardment, which began on 18 March, has intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where infrastructure and essential services were already severely strained after years of conflict and blockade. 
According to reports, the air strikes have targeted multiple areas across the territory, with significant civilian casualties. The sight of families packing belongings into vehicles and fleeing under military directives has become a stark symbol of the ongoing displacement crisis. Beit Hanun, a frequent flashpoint in the northern Gaza Strip, has borne the brunt of the latest evacuation orders, displacing thousands yet again.
Singapore’s response reflects a broader international concern over the spiralling violence. The MFA’s statement underscored the urgent need for dialogue, echoing calls from global leaders for a de-escalation. “All civilians must be protected according to international humanitarian law,” the spokesperson emphasised, highlighting the legal obligations of all parties to minimise harm to non-combatants.
A Longstanding Stance on Palestinian Rights
Singapore has consistently advocated for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a negotiated two-state solution, viewing it as the only viable path to a “comprehensive, just and durable” outcome. In February 2025, the MFA reiterated its support for the Palestinian people’s right to a homeland of their own, a position that has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy on the issue.
Beyond rhetorical support, Singapore has pledged to work closely with the Palestinian Authority to bolster its capacity for administration and reconstruction. This commitment aims to lay the groundwork for a future Palestinian state capable of self-governance and sustainable development. While the specifics of this assistance remain under discussion, it signals Singapore’s intent to play a constructive role in the long-term resolution of the conflict.
The city-state’s stance is rooted in its broader foreign policy principles of upholding international law and supporting peaceful resolutions to disputes. As a small nation with a history of navigating complex geopolitical challenges, Singapore often positions itself as a mediator and advocate for dialogue in intractable conflicts. Its latest statement on Gaza reinforces this role, balancing concern for immediate humanitarian needs with a focus on long-term political solutions.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The resumption of hostilities has exacerbated an already dire situation in Gaza, where over two million people live in one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The territory has faced a blockade by Israel and Egypt since 2007, severely restricting the flow of goods, people, and aid. Successive rounds of conflict have destroyed much of Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving hospitals, schools, and water systems in ruins.
The latest air strikes have further strained humanitarian efforts, with aid agencies reporting significant obstacles to delivering essential supplies. The MFA’s call for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid reflects growing international frustration over the barriers faced by relief organisations. Reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, have intensified calls for accountability and protection under international law.
Images of displacement, such as those from Beit Hanun on 19 March, underscore the human cost of the conflict. Children sitting atop piles of belongings in the back of vehicles evoke memories of past mass displacements in the region, a recurring tragedy for Palestinian families. The psychological toll of such repeated upheaval, particularly on younger generations, remains a profound yet often overlooked aspect of the crisis.
Regional and Global Implications
The escalation in Gaza carries ramifications far beyond the territory’s borders, unsettling an already volatile Middle East. For South East Asian nations like Singapore, the conflict resonates on multiple levels. The region is home to significant Muslim populations, and public sentiment often aligns strongly with the Palestinian cause. Governments, including Singapore’s, must navigate domestic sensitivities while maintaining balanced diplomatic relations with all parties involved.
Singapore’s economy, heavily reliant on global stability due to its role as a trade and financial hub, is also indirectly affected by such conflicts. Disruptions in the Middle East can influence oil prices and shipping routes, with potential knock-on effects on energy costs and supply chains. While the immediate economic impact of the Gaza conflict on Singapore may be limited, the broader geopolitical instability it contributes to remains a concern for policymakers.
Moreover, Singapore’s statement serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global crises. The city-state has often positioned itself as a voice for small nations in international forums, advocating for adherence to international norms and the protection of vulnerable populations. Its response to the Gaza situation aligns with this ethos, reinforcing its commitment to multilateralism and humanitarian principles.
Challenges to a Ceasefire
Achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza remains a formidable challenge, with deep-rooted mistrust between Israel and Hamas complicating negotiations. The failure to extend the January 2025 truce highlights the fragility of such agreements in the absence of broader political progress. Netanyahu’s assertion that Hamas rejected ceasefire proposals points to ongoing disagreements over terms, including the release of hostages and the lifting of restrictions on Gaza.
For its part, Hamas has accused Israel of using excessive force and failing to honour past commitments. The cycle of retaliation and counter-retaliation has repeatedly derailed peace efforts, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of the violence. International mediators, including the United Nations and regional powers like Egypt and Qatar, have struggled to bridge the gap between the two sides.
Singapore’s call for renewed negotiations aligns with broader international efforts to break this deadlock. However, the path forward remains uncertain, particularly as domestic political pressures in Israel and factional dynamics within Palestinian leadership add further layers of complexity. Any lasting solution will require not only a cessation of hostilities but also addressing the underlying issues of occupation, blockade, and mutual recognition.
Looking Ahead: A Call for International Action
As the death toll in Gaza rises, the urgency of international action becomes ever more apparent. Singapore’s statement, while not binding, contributes to the chorus of voices demanding an end to the violence. The MFA’s emphasis on protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian access reflects a pragmatic focus on immediate needs, even as it advocates for a long-term political resolution.
The plight of families fleeing Beit Hanun serves as a poignant reminder of the human stakes involved. For children growing up amid conflict, the trauma of displacement and loss is a heavy burden, one that will shape the future of the region for decades to come. Addressing their needs—both material and psychological—must be a priority for the international community.
Singapore’s role, though geographically distant, underscores the global nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By lending its voice to calls for peace and supporting capacity-building efforts, the city-state exemplifies how even small nations can contribute to resolving some of the world’s most intractable challenges. Whether these efforts will translate into tangible progress remains to be seen, but for now, Singapore stands firm in its condemnation of violence and its hope for a just resolution.
In the meantime, the world watches as Gaza endures yet another chapter of suffering. The path to peace is long and fraught with obstacles, but as Singapore and others have reiterated, it is a journey that must be undertaken—for the sake of those children in the back of vehicles, and for the generations yet to come.
