Overview

• K. Shanmugam outlined three preconditions for recognising a Palestinian state—defined territory, population and a viable government—and said immediate recognition could harm Palestinians, though Singapore remains prepared in principle to recognise when conditions exist.
• He said Israel’s response in Gaza has gone too far and may constitute a likely breach of international humanitarian law, adding that history will probably judge Israel’s actions harshly.
• Singapore has delivered nine tranches and over $20 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, including Republic of Singapore Air Force airdrops, and continues capacity-building through a $10 million technical assistance program that has trained more than 800 Palestinian officials.
• New initiatives slated for 2026 include training Palestinian civilian police with Japan and sharing governance and public administration experience with young Palestinian leaders, with a commitment to support reconstruction once a permanent ceasefire is in place.
• Singapore will not cut or downgrade ties with Israel, arguing it would not help people in Gaza and would reduce its ability to engage, and it warned of rising radicalisation at home linked to the conflict.