Singapore will continue to push for peace in Gaza

Peace in Gaza is not something that can be attained all at once, and the dynamic situation there means any peace achieved will also likely not be perfect.

- Zhaki Abdullah

Even so, the international community must continually strive for peace, as reducing the violence in Gaza will save lives, said Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on June 4.

Singapore will continue to do what it can to help while adding its voice to calls for peace, Associate Professor Faishal said in his first sit-down interview since being appointed to his new role.

Speaking to reporters at the KopiCuts cafe at Wisma Geylang Serai, Prof Faishal said he understood the feelings and expectations of the Malay/Muslim community here on the issue of Palestine.

It is reasonable that people here feel strongly about innocents being killed or displaced, said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs.

Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen on Oct 7, 2023, killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Much of the enclave has since been destroyed and more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza health authorities.

Prof Faishal said the Government has held to clear and consistent principles on the issue since the 1960s.