The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) shared that Singapore is prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine, with the key consideration that this move should help progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution

MFA Deputy Secretary (Asia-Pacific) Kevin Cheok delivered Singapore's National Statement at a United Nations conference in New York, U.S. about the peaceful settlement of Palestine and the implementation of a two-state solution on Jul. 29.

The Conference was co-chaired by the French Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Urged for immediate ceasefire

Cheok stated that the situation in Gaza is"heartbreaking" and reiterated Singapore's call for an "immediate ceasefire".

He added that Singapore urges Hamas to release all the remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.

He stated that the situation is"unconscionable and a violation of international humanitarian law", and called on the Israeli government to lift all restrictions on the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance immediately.

"We must do all we can to prevent a further loss of life on both sides."

Prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine

Cheok stated that Singapore has "consistently supported the right of Palestinians to their own homeland based on a negotiated two-state solution, consistent with the relevant UNSC resolutions".

He expressed the belief that this is the only viable pathway to achieving a"comprehensive, just and durable solution" to the conflict.

"To this end, we are prepared in principle to recognise the State of Palestine."

Singapore's key consideration is that "such a move should help progress towards peace and a negotiated two-state solution".

Cheok adds that there has to be an effective Palestinian government in place, which"categorically renounces terrorism and accepts Israel's right to exist".

He also stated that Singapore welcomed a letter from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Jun. 9, which reiterated"the Palestinian Authority's continued rejection of violence and terrorism, its longstanding recognition of Israel's right to exist, and its commitment to the implementation of its reform agenda", among other things.

Cheok said that he hopes that the commitments stated in the letter can be implemented fully.

Both sides must have the courage to break the vicious cycle

Singapore urges the Israelis and Palestinians to return to the negotiating table and make the necessary concessions, Cheok said.

"To continue on the current trajectory will only make the goal of peace even more difficult to achieve, and result in an endless cycle of mutual hatred and violence."

UK also plans to recognise Palestinian state unless conditions are met

The UK also announced on Jul. 30 that it plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September 2025 unless Israel meets several conditions, Reuters reported.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the UK would make the move unless Israel takes substantive steps, including agreeing to a ceasefire with Gaza.

"They must immediately release all of the hostages, sign up to a ceasefire, disarm and accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza."

Two new initiatives to be introduced in 2026

Cheok said that Singapore remains committed to helping alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.

To date, Singapore has contributed over US$17 million (about S$21.8 million) in monetary and in-kind assistance.

Singapore has also worked with regional partners, as well as relief organisations like the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) to do what it can to help.

Cheok revealed that Singapore is considering sending a medical team to the region to help treat patients from Gaza.

He added that the country is also prepared to contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza when a permanent ceasefire agreement is reached.

In this context, Singapore supports the Arab Reconstruction Plan and reconstruction in Gaza as proposed by Egypt.

Additionally, as a part of Singapore's USD$7 million (about S$9 million) Enhanced Technical Assistance Package, the number of scholarships for Palestinians to study in Singapore universities has increased.

Two new initiatives will also be launched in 2026, as part of efforts to"prepare Palestinians for their eventual statehood".

Singapore will be collaborating with Japan to train Palestinian Civil Police officers in community policing.

It will also launch a new Young Leaders Programme to share its experiences in public administration and governance.