President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan have written to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Dr Mahmoud Abbas, PA Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh and PA Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr Riad Al Malki respectively to express their condolences on the mounting civilian toll in the Gaza Strip. The text of the letters is appended.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 OCTOBER 2023
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Condolence letter from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Palestinian Authority President Dr Mahmoud Abbas
18 October 2023
His Excellency Dr Mahmoud Abbas
President
Palestinian Authority
Your Excellency,
I have been deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the immense loss of life and suffering dealt on innocent civilians. These have arisen from Israeli military operations in response to the attacks by Hamas on Israel on 7 October. On behalf of the Singapore people, I extend our deepest sympathies to the wounded and the families of the bereaved.
Singapore urges all parties to do their utmost to protect the safety and security of civilians, abide by international humanitarian law, and allow for the urgent delivery of aid to the affected civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Singapore remains convinced that the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be resolved by a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions enabling Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and security, and with dignity. I hope that all sides will find a way to work towards this critical goal.
Yours sincerely,
THARMAN SHANMUGARATNAM
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Condolence letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh
18 October 2023
Dear Prime Minister Dr Shtayyeh,
I am deeply saddened by the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the loss of Palestinian civilian lives including the tragic toll at theAhli Arab Hospital on 17 October 2023. On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I offer our deep condolences to the families of the bereaved. Singapore hopes that all parties involved will abide by international humanitarian law, and do their utmost to ensure the security and safety of civilians. In response to the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, the Singapore Government has contributed S$300,000 towards the humanitarian aid.
A negotiated two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelis living side-by-side in peace and security is the only viable way to break the repeated cycles of violence. I hope all parties will find ways to achieve this vision, consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Yours sincerely,
LEE HSIEN LOONG
His Excellency Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh
Prime Minister
Palestinian Authority
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Condolence letter from Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr Riad Al Malki
18 October 2023
His Excellency Dr Riad Al Malki
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
Palestinian Authority
Dear Dr Riad,
I am extremely saddened by the mounting civilian toll in the Gaza Strip and the loss of lives at the Ahli Arab Hospital on 17 October 2023, and would like to express my deepest condolences to the affected families.
I am also deeply concerned by the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The Singapore Government, the Singapore Red Cross and people of Singapore are raising funds to support the humanitarian needs in Gaza. We also endorse international calls for humanitarian assistance to be delivered to the Gaza Strip on an urgent basis.
Singapore believes a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions is essential for a durable, just and comprehensive solution to this long standing conflict.
Yours sincerely,
DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN