Continued Gaza relief efforts show Singaporeans ‘stand for something’: Shanmugam

At the event, an online virtual mural was also launched. Members of the public will be able to write messages of encouragement to affected civilian victims from Mar 15. Madrasah students and teachers will help to translate the wishes to Arabic for the people in Gaza. 

On Wednesday night, Humanity Matters will send the comfort packs to Jordan, from where they will be delivered to Gaza. 

The non-profit’s four-person relief deployment team will also procure medical supplies, food and water in Jordan to send to Gaza.

Israel and Hamas held talks on a 40-day Ramadan ceasefire but have not reached an agreement, with just days before the Muslim fasting month begins.

Both sides blame each other for the lack of an agreement.

During the first humanitarian ceasefire in November last year, Humanity Matters sent a team to Egypt to ensure the delivery of 9.4 tonnes of relief supplies from Singapore to Gaza.

The supplies, which included painkillers, lightweight winter blankets, intravenous fluids and cannula sets, were worth S$215,000.

Since then, the situation has worsened, Mr Shanmugam noted. He reiterated Singapore’s position on the matter, which was that Israel’s response has gone too far.

“Ex-President Halimah Yaacob posted her views on social media, and I have shared it and she speaks for many of us,” said Mr Shanmugam. 

“What is happening is a catastrophe. There has to be an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow aid to reach people.”