Faishal Ibrahim Agrees With Ex-Israeli PM That Israel Is Committing War Crimes In Gaza

Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on May 31 said he agreed with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza.

- Ng Wei Kai

"It pains me to say this, considering Israel's contributions to Singapore in our early years," Associate Professor Faishal told reporters at an event at Changi Airport to see off 44 pilgrims to the annual haj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

"But I think we need to be frank. I fear an increasing number of people worldwide will agree with Mr Ehud, including myself."

On May 27, The Guardian reported on an opinion piece Mr Ehud had written for the Israeli newspaper and website Haaretz.

The 12th Prime Minister of Israel, from 2006 to 2009, had said Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza, with thousands of innocent Palestinians and many Israeli soldiers being killed.

Mr Ehud said the government of Israel was waging a war without purpose, without goals or clear planning and with no chances of success.

"What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation: the indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians...Yes, Israel is committing war crimes," Mr Ehud wrote.

Prof Faishal had been asked about a statement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 30 that Israel may be in breach of international law by restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

He reiterated that the Singapore Government believes Israel's actions are likely to be in breach of international humanitarian law.