Background

A coalition of Singaporean citizens and organizations has officially written to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, pressing the government to accelerate the formal recognition of the State of Palestine.

This plea comes in response to a statement made by the Singaporean government on July 2, 2024, which indicated the nation’s readiness to recognize Palestine "at an appropriate time." Given the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region, the coalition argues that the time for action is now.

The coalition's letter highlights the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024, which deemed Israel's occupation of Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem unlawful. They emphasize that this ruling reinforces the Palestinian right to self-determination and obligates nations to reject any illegal alterations to the territories in question.

The Rationale Behind Immediate Recognition

The coalition presents several compelling reasons for why Singapore should expedite its recognition of Palestine. First, they argue that such a decision would underscore Singapore’s commitment to international legal norms, which have been a cornerstone of its foreign policy. Recognizing Palestine would align Singapore with the ICJ's call for global support of Palestinian rights and the cessation of oppressive occupying practices.

Moreover, the coalition contends that recognition could bolster the two-state solution, a framework Singapore has consistently endorsed. With peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine stalled since 2014, the existence of recent provocations including Israel's exclusionary mapping efforts further emphasizes the need for immediate diplomatic action. The coalition argues that allowing Israel to dictate the terms of recognition jeopardizes the wellbeing and rights of the Palestinian people amidst ongoing violence.

Aligning with Global Sentiment

The coalition highlights that over 140 countries have already recognized Palestine, positioning Singapore’s potential recognition within the majority of the global community. They argue that this decision would not only align Singapore with a collective stance for peace and justice but also enhance the nation’s diplomatic reputation on the international stage.

Urgent Humanitarian Needs

In addition to legal and diplomatic considerations, the coalition points to critical humanitarian issues in Palestinian territories. Reports detail ongoing violence, displacement, and suffering in Gaza and the West Bank. They express concerns about the potential for genocide, a serious issue raised by both the ICJ and the United Nations Human Rights Council. Recognizing Palestine would signal Singapore's commitment to human rights and moral responsibilities on the world stage.

Enhancing Diplomatic Relations and Regional Stability

The coalition believes that recognition of Palestine could enhance Singapore's diplomatic and economic relationships with Palestine and other countries advocating for human rights. In this context, they see the decision as a strategic step towards facilitating dialogue and peace-building in the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In their concluding remarks, the coalition expresses confidence that recognizing Palestine would enhance Singapore’s international reputation as a nation committed to fairness, justice, and the rule of law. They urge an immediate and thoughtful response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considering the increasing violence and pressing humanitarian issues in the region.

Furthermore, the coalition includes a diverse range of signatories, from civil society groups like the Centre for Interfaith Understanding and Echoes of Gaza to notable former politicians. This inclusive appeal reflects a significant segment of Singaporean society advocating for proactive measures towards supporting Palestinian statehood.

The time for decisive action is now, and Singapore has an opportunity to reinforce its values on the global stage by embracing the call for recognition of Palestine.