palestinian pm visit to singapore

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Follow our news, recent searches, vivian balakrishnan meets palestinian leaders, expresses singapore’s concern about dire humanitarian situation in gaza, advertisement.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan called on Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh in Ramallah, on Mar 18, 2024. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore)

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SINGAPORE: Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan met the leaders of the Palestinian Authority (PA) during his visit to Ramallah on Monday (Mar 18), amid the war between Israel and Hamas militants .

Dr Balakrishnan called on Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh and his likely successor  Mohammad Mustafa . He also met with his counterpart Riad Al Malki and the Palestinian head of general intelligence services Majed Faraj.

"Minister Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza," Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement on Tuesday.

"An immediate humanitarian ceasefire will allow for the effective delivery of aid to affected civilians in Gaza."

Dr Balakrishnan updated the Palestinian leaders on Singapore’s humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including its third tranche of aid  and a donation of S$6.1 million collected by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation  for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.

He also emphasised Singapore’s support for a negotiated two-state solution, calling it "the only viable pathway towards a comprehensive, just and durable peace".

Singapore also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the PA's capacity-building efforts in civil service and digital government.

"Over 700 PA officials have benefitted from training programmes and post-graduate scholarships provided by Singapore," said MFA.

"The opening of the Singapore Representative Office in Ramallah in October 2022 has expanded the reach and strengthened the delivery of Singapore’s technical assistance to PA."

Dr Balakrishnan was accompanied by a delegation including five Members of Parliament - Mr Alex Yam, Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Ms Rachel Ong, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam. 

The war in Gaza has dragged on for more than five months, triggered by Hamas' unprecedented Oct 7 attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies. More than 250 hostages were seized.

Israel's retaliatory ground and air campaign has killed more than 31,500 people, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza. Israel said it has killed at least 13,000 Hamas members in the Gaza fighting. 

The Integrated Food-Security Phase Classification said on Monday that extreme food shortages in parts of the Gaza Strip have already exceeded  famine  levels.

"Mass death is now imminent without an immediate ceasefire and surge of food to areas cut off by fighting," said the global hunger monitor.

Israel, which initially allowed aid into Gaza through only two checkpoints on the enclave's southern edge, said it is opening more routes by land, as well as allowing sea shipments and airdrops. The first boat carrying aid arrived last week.

Aid agencies say they still cannot get enough supplies through or distribute them safely, especially in the north.

Israel says 20 militants killed, 200 detained at key Gaza hospital

Gaza's catastrophic food shortage means mass death is imminent, says global hunger monitor

Famine expected by May in Gaza, says UN-backed report

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PM Lee on week-long visit to the Middle East

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SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will pay a week-long visit to the Middle East from Saturday (April 16). This will be his first official visit to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement on Friday.

PM Lee Hsien Loong. TODAY file photo

“The visit will affirm Singapore’s good relations with Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian National Authority, and underscore Singapore’s commitment to support the capacity building efforts of the Palestinian people,” the statement added.

PM Lee will be in Jordan from Saturday to Monday. He will be hosted to lunch by King Abdullah II. Mr Lee will also meet Prime Minister and Defence Minister Abdullah Ensour, who will host dinner for him. 

Mr Lee’s other appointments in Jordan include separate meetings with Chief Advisor for Religious and Cultural Affairs Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad Bin Talal, as well as Singapore students studying in the country.

After Jordan, Mr Lee will visit Israel from Apr 18 to 22 where he is scheduled to call on President Reuven Rivlin and meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the opposition Isaac Herzog and former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres.

In addition, Mr Lee will meet leaders of major Israeli technology companies and visit the Hebrew University, where he will receive an honorary degree. He will also witness the signing of an agreement between the university and the National Research Foundation to facilitate research collaboration in Singapore.

On Apr 20, PM Lee will visit the Palestinian Territories, where he will meet with and be hosted to lunch by Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Rami Hamdallah. Mr Lee will also lay a wreath at the mausoleum of the first President of the Palestinian National Authority Yasser Arafat.

Accompanying Mr Lee on the trip are his wife Madam Ho Ching, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli, Minister of State (Communications and Information, Education) Janil Puthucheary, and Members of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa and Intan Azura Mokhtar.

Mr Lee’s last visit to the Middle East was in 2008, when he visited Qatar.

During the Prime Minister’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean will be the Acting Prime Minister, added the PMO's statement.

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Vivian Balakrishnan to visit Palestinian territories, Israel, Gulf states

AMMAN, Jordan – Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will visit the Palestinian territories, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia from March 18 to March 24, as he continues his working visit to the Middle East.

For this leg of the trip, he will be accompanied by Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and five MPs – Mr Alex Yam, Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Ms Rachel Ong and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim from the ruling People’s Action Party, and Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam.

The five MPs were in Amman, the capital of Jordan, on March 17, and they witnessed the presentation of a $6.1 million cheque to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the main UN aid agency in Gaza.

The funds are part of a record $8.1 million raised by Singapore charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) in late 2023 to provide relief and shelter to communities in the embattled Palestinian enclave.

An earlier tranche of $2 million was handed to UNRWA in November 2023.

The MPs also joined Singaporean students in Amman for iftar – the meal which breaks the daytime fast of Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This is not a happy time,” said Dr Balakrishnan in a speech during the iftar meal, as he addressed questions posed to him by the students, including queries about his thoughts on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“We are here, trying to do what good we can. I meet the leaders, I have honest discussions, I tell them where we disagree,” the minister said.

“I’d like to believe what they value from us is our honesty, our ability to work with people, even though our positions are not identical.”

Dr Balakrishnan’s visit to the region began on March 15, when he made a stop in Doha to meet Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani.

He then proceeded to Amman, where he met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on March 16 and called on Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh on March 17.

Dr Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad also had an audience with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Royal Palace in Aqaba on March 17 and marked the arrival of Singapore’s third tranche of humanitarian aid bound for Gaza at the King Abdullah II Air Base.

With children in Gaza dying of hunger and about a quarter of the population at risk of famine due to the limited relief entering the territory, Singapore aid groups have redoubled their efforts to provide help on the ground and raise more funds back home.

Earlier in March, Singapore non-profit Humanity Matters raised more than $300,000, and a team of four is currently in Jordan to procure and pack medical, food and hydration supplies that will be sent to Gaza in collaboration with a local partner.

Another four tonnes of relief cargo, comprising 5,000 Kidz Comfort Packs, which included items like inflatable pillows and vitamin gummies, packed by 300 young people in Singapore, are en route to Jordan via sea.

Separately, a three-member team from Mercy Relief was in Cairo over the weekend. There, they prepared tens of thousands of food packages that will be distributed to families in Gaza over the coming weeks.

The organisation is working with local non-profit GDD, and it plans to raise more funds – $200,000, at least – so it can return to the region to provide another round of relief as soon as possible.

“It is all about hope,” said Mercy Relief chairman Satwant Singh in a video call with The Straits Times as he called on all Singaporeans to step forward. “This is a dire situation... A lot more needs to be done.”

RLAF plans to hold another round of fund raising for Gaza as well, from March 20 to 26.

Its chief executive, Mr Muhammad Faizal Othman, said the donation drive will go into full swing once RLAF gets the necessary permit.

Besides getting people to donate online, RLAF has requested all 70 mosques in Singapore to provide a donation box on March 22 during Friday prayers.

Said Mr Faizal: “We don’t have a target. We just do our best and get people to make donations.”

He said there are also plans for RLAF to visit Gaza when the situation becomes more stable, and the charity has an agreement to work with UNRWA in the territory until January 2025.

“People genuinely want to help, but I think it is best to be helping in a constructive manner,” Mr Faizal said.

“So go to the right channels, contribute, do the packing so that these things can help the Gazan people,” he added.

UNRWA chief of staff Ben Majekodunmi, who received the $6.1 million in funds from RLAF on March 17, said during the cheque presentation in Amman that the donations are “terribly needed”.

“The events on Oct 7 were awful. The events since Oct 7 are awful. They’re all beyond belief. They all have to stop,” he said.

“Until that happens, the kind of moral and financial support that is coming up in this event is really what’s keeping people alive.”

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Pope Francis to Singapore’s Catholics: Follow St. Francis Xavier in spreading God’s love

September 12, 2024 Catholic News Agency News Briefs 1 Print

Rome Newsroom, Sep 12, 2024 / 12:35 pm (CNA).

At Mass with approximately 50,000 Catholics in Singapore on Thursday, Pope Francis recalled the example of the great missionary to Asia, St. Francis Xavier, who responded with enthusiasm to the call to spread God’s love.

The pontiff celebrated Mass in the Singapore National Stadium, a national landmark, on the last full day of his trip to four countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania Sept. 2–13.

The enthusiastic crowd ranged from young babies to the elderly. Among the mostly Singaporean attendees there were also migrant workers from Malaysia, Vietnamese Catholics, and a delegation from Hong Kong led by Cardinal Stephen Chow.

Catholics pray the rosary in sign language before Mass with Pope Francis in Singapore’s National Stadium. pic.twitter.com/GeXD9AhFK3 — Courtney Mares (@catholicourtney) September 12, 2024

After visiting the majority-Muslim country of Indonesia, followed by the mostly Christian Papua New Guinea and the 98% Catholic East Timor, Pope Francis landed Wednesday in Singapore, a city-state with about 176,000 Catholics.

The Catholic Church in Singapore traces its roots to the first missionaries who, together with St. Francis Xavier, arrived in Malaysia in the 16th century. Singapore lies at the tip of Malaysia, an island separated only by a narrow strait.

In his homily, Pope Francis called St. Francis Xavier “a saint dear to this land, who found hospitality here many times during his missionary journeys,” including in July 1552, a few months before his death.

The pope quoted from a letter the saint wrote to St. Ignatius of Loyola and his first companions, saying he wanted to go to all the universities in order to cry out “like a madman … [to] those with more learning than charity” so that they might feel compelled to become missionaries for the love of their brothers and sisters, and to “cry out with all their heart: ‘Lord, I am here! What do you want me to do?’”

Recalling, as well, the day’s memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary, the pontiff said: “We too could make these words our own, following [St. Francis Xavier’s] and Mary’s example: ‘Lord, here I am; what do you want me to do?’ so that they may accompany us not only in these days but always, as a constant commitment to listening and responding readily to the invitations to love and live justly that continue to come to us today from the infinite love of God.”

One of the youngest Mass attendees in the crowd at the papal Mass in Singapore’s National Stadium. Eight-month-old Vera became a Catholic when she was baptized last June! pic.twitter.com/yOsaF6hbT8 — Courtney Mares (@catholicourtney) September 12, 2024

Francis added that Mary “has given hope to so many people by her support and presence, which she continues to do!”

“On how many lips has her name appeared, and continues to appear, in moments of joy and sorrow!” the pope said. “This is because in her we see the Father’s love manifested in one of the most beautiful and fulsome of ways, for in her we see the tenderness of a mother, who understands and forgives everything and who never abandons us. This is why we turn to her!”

The Singapore National Stadium has 55,000 seats and the largest free-span dome in the world at 1,017 feet. It was nearly at capacity for Thursday’s papal Mass in English, which included music by a large band and choir.

Chiarina Mapa, an Australian-Filipina living in Singapore, and her husband were thrilled to get to sing for Pope Francis in the choir.

“It was such a blessing to be able to sing for the pope,” Mapa, who is pregnant with her second son, told CNA. “The choir had been tirelessly practicing since July, fighting the heat during a 10-hour rehearsal yesterday, and up to the final hymn we really could feel all our voices just lifting up and glorifying the Lord.”

Edwin Lim Poh Hoi from St. Anne’s Church in Singapore told CNA he was baptized a Catholic 20 years ago at the age of 45. He decided to volunteer for Pope Francis’ Mass as an act of reparation for his past before he became a Christian.

Father Clarence Yue, who has a master’s degree in chemical engineering from MIT and was ordained a priest last month, was one of many priests to concelebrate Mass with Pope Francis.

Traveling from Vietnam with his wife, Cong Lich Nguyen told CNA they hoped the pope would one day visit their country.

At Mass, Pope Francis reminded Catholics that “nothing lasting is born or grows without love.”

“Sometimes the greatness and grandeur of our projects can make us forget this and fool us into thinking that we can be the sole authors of our lives, of our wealth, our well-being, our happiness. Yet, ultimately, life brings us back to one reality: Without love we are nothing,” he added.

“Faith, then, confirms and enlightens us even more deeply regarding this conviction, because it tells us that at the root of our capacity to love and be loved is God himself.”

Singapore is considered a secular and pluralistic state and a multiethnic city. Approximately 43% of its more than 5 million inhabitants are Buddhist, about 20% are Christian, 14% are Muslim, and there is also a small percentage who practice Hinduism. But based on the most recent data from the Singapore Statistics Office, the Holy See reported that Christianity, and Catholicism in particular, is the only religion that is growing.

Pope Francis in his own homily quoted from the homily of St. John Paul II, who celebrated Mass in Singapore during a visit in November 1986.

“The love that God shows us, and that he invites us to share with others,” Francis said, “‘responds generously to the needs of the poor… is marked by compassion for those in sorrow… is quick to offer hospitality and is persevering in times of trial. It is always ready to forgive, to hope’ even to the point of returning ‘a blessing for a curse… love is the very center of the Gospel.’”

After meetings with authorities, clergy, and young people in Singapore, Pope Francis will return to Rome on Sept. 13.

Courtney Mares in Singapore and Kristina Millare in Rome contributed to this report.

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Palestinian Territories

Travel Advisory for Israel and the Palestinian Territories

07 February 2024

As indicated in MFA’s previous Travel Advisory for Israel and the Palestinian Territories, which was last updated on 8 October, Singaporeans should avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Israel’s borders with the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria. Singaporeans should also avoid all non-essential travel to Israel in view of the ongoing conflict.

Singaporeans residing in Israel are advised to remain vigilant, monitor local developments closely, and avoid areas known for public disturbances or where large crowds congregate, especially in the Old City and East Jerusalem including Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount. They should take all necessary precautions for personal safety including purchasing comprehensive travel and medical insurance.

In addition, Singaporeans are strongly encouraged to eRegister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at  https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg  so that we can contact you should the need arise. Singaporeans are also advised to stay in touch with your family and friends so that they know you are safe. Those who need consular assistance while in Israel or the Palestinian Territories may contact the Singapore Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hours) at:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Israel (Tel Aviv)

Address: 28 HaArba’a Street, South Tower (19th floor), Tel Aviv 6473926, Israel

Tel: +972 3 7289334

Fax: +972 3 7289340

Email:  [email protected]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office (24 hr)

Address: Tanglin, Singapore 248163

Tel: +65 6379 8800/8855

Fax: +65 6476 7302

Email:  [email protected]

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Entry and Exit

Please refer to the following web page(s) for information on entry restrictions affecting travellers from Singapore to the Palestinian Territories:

• https://www.travelpalestine.ps/en

Safety and Security

The security situation in areas bordering the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is volatile. Rocket fire, shootings and bombings have been reported. Travellers should note that border crossings, particularly those with the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, may be closed without warnings for an extended period of time.

Monitor the news and avoid large political demonstrations and public gatherings where possible due to the higher risk of violent incidents.

Tourists should respect local sensitivities, and dress and behave accordingly especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if intending to visit religious areas. Drug offences carry heavy penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, large fines and the death penalty.

Identification must be presented on request. Carry a copy of your passport and entry card with you at all times.

Additional Information

General travel advice.

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

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