Singapore to Dispense Ninth Installment of Humanitarian Relief for Gaza
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has deployed a C-130 transport aircraft to Jordan, as part of Singapore's ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza. This latest tranche of aid, consisting of medical and food supplies, was delivered just two days after Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed concern over Israel's plans to expand military operations in Gaza.
The aid is coordinated through the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre, working alongside the Jordanian government and other foreign air forces for airdrop operations. The medical supplies are from Singapore’s Ministry of Health, while food supplies are contributed by NGOs such as Humanity Matters, Caritas Humanitarian Aid and Relief Initiatives Singapore (CHARIS), Mercy Relief, and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation.
Singapore's humanitarian aid to Gaza involves more than just logistics. The country also collaborates with international organizations like UNICEF and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and aligns its humanitarian efforts with broader peace and reconstruction frameworks such as the Arab Reconstruction Plan proposed by Egypt. The government has expressed a commitment to deploy a medical team to Gaza and to contribute to reconstruction once a permanent ceasefire is achieved.
Politically, Singapore calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of hostages by Hamas. It urges all parties, including Israel, to comply with international humanitarian law by facilitating humanitarian access and protecting civilians. An MFA spokesperson said, "The Israeli government must immediately facilitate the full and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid."
The military involvement in this humanitarian effort is significant, with a total of 58 defence and military personnel deployed. Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamed, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo, Charge d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Singapore Qais Biltaji, Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Jordan Shamsher Zaman, and Singapore’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority Hawazi Daipi were present at the send-off ceremony for the aid aircraft at Paya Lebar Air Base. Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim also attended the ceremony, meeting with representatives from the participating NGOs.
Since October 2023, Singapore has delivered nine tranches of aid, totaling over S$22 million (approximately US$17.1 million). The MFA spokesperson also stated, "All parties must protect civilian infrastructure and civilians, especially those accessing humanitarian supplies, in accordance with international humanitarian law."
In summary, Singapore's humanitarian aid to Gaza involves coordination through the Changi RHCC and cooperation with Jordan’s government and international air forces. It also includes participation of NGOs, international support and collaboration, military involvement, and political engagement advocating ceasefire, humanitarian access, and diplomatic efforts for peace.
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