Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he has turned down a request from US President Joe Biden to call off a planned ground assault on Rafah.
Asked about Singapore’s stance on the possible Rafah operation, Dr Balakrishnan said: “We are deeply concerned that this offensive, or planned offensive, into Rafah will have a significant impact on the people who are currently clustered in that area. We have expressed that concern.”
Dr Balakrishnan also explained that Singaporeans need to “understand the importance of engaging across the board”, and that Singapore “cannot afford to … duck and cover”.
“We need to face the world as it is. We need to be able to convey our position accurately, not in a provocative way, but clearly and unambiguously,” he said.
On whether Singapore-Israel ties will be affected if Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu refuses to bow down to international pressure, Dr Balakrishnan said that “we will have to see what happens”.
He said: “In the end, he is the man who has to make the decisions for Israel.
“We are not the leaders of Israel. He is accountable to his people. And he will also be accountable for the consequences.”
“We hope for the best, but we also have to be prepared that this is yet another recurrent bout of violence in a very troubled part of the world,” he added.
In its news release on Wednesday, MFA said Dr Balakrishnan highlighted Singapore’s support for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions during his visit.
This is the “only viable pathway towards a comprehensive, just and durable peace” between Israelis and Palestinians, said MFA.
Singapore will continue to work with regional partners, including Jordan and Israel, to facilitate the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) airdrop mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Dr Balakrishnan leaves Israel on Wednesday for the United Arab Emirates. He will also visit Egypt and Saudi Arabia as part of his trip to the Middle East.
He is accompanied by a delegation that includes five Members of Parliament – Mr Alex Yam, Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin, Ms Rachel Ong, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Workers’ Party MP Gerald Giam.
During his visit to Ramallah on Monday, 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.