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TEL AVIV: Singapore cannot alter the trajectory of the war between Israel and Hamas, or reshape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape, but it can help in ways that are far from just symbolic, said Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can be helpful, we can be constructive. We can maintain our relationships between them, but do not ever think that we are determinative of outcomes,\u201d he said on Thursday (Nov 6) during a media interview at the conclusion of his four-day visit to the Palestinian Territories and Israel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we cannot alter the course of history, we can do good if we can save lives with humanitarian assistance, or medical assistance, or supplies, medical supplies, food,\u201d he said. \u201cThat is not symbolic, that’s real.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his visit, Dr Balakrishnan witnessed Singapore’s US$500,000 donation to the World Food Programme on Tuesday, supporting food assistance for Gaza civilians. He also announced two new capacity-building courses for Palestinians.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we’re doing is real, it is good and it is appreciated. But is this a complete solution? No, it is not,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA complete solution needs real negotiations between all the stakeholders, reconciliation, a commitment to peace, a commitment to not resort to violence, and the commitment to a long-term, shared future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His visit comes on the heels of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which included the release of hostages.<\/p>\n
Dr Balakrishnan met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa and Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin on Tuesday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Wednesday, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Thursday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n