SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lawrence Wong welcomes the

that will bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.

The agreement is part of US President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to end the Gaza conflict.

Recognising the leadership of Mr Trump and the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, PM Wong said in a Facebook post on Oct 10 that it has been two long years since the Oct 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.

“This is an important first step - but the road ahead will not be easy.

“We hope that a final agreement can soon be reached, so that Gazans can begin to rebuild their lives and homes. Singapore stands ready to step up our capacity building programmes to help the Palestinians in this process,” he wrote.

He added that Singapore will contribute “in whatever way we can to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security”.

saying the ceasefire and release of hostages will bring great relief to the people in Gaza and Israel.

“Singapore commends the leadership of President Trump and the tireless efforts of all the mediators involved, especially the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who have been instrumental in securing this agreement,” said an MFA spokesman.

The agreement could pave the way for desperately needed humanitarian aid to be immediately sent to the Gaza Strip, where a global hunger monitor said in August that over half a million people were experiencing famine.

More than 67,000 people have been killed and much of the enclave has been flattened since Israel began its military response to the Hamas cross-border attack on Oct 7, 2023, said Gaza authorities.

Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli officials, with 20 of the 48 hostages still held believed to be alive.