SINGAPORE - Singapore has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to lift restrictions on delivering humanitarian aid to the region and for Hamas to release all hostages immediately.

The denial of humanitarian aid has caused mass starvation and a lack of essential medical services, said Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on July 24, amid shocking reports of people shot at while trying to access food.

The MFA said the Israeli government must immediately lift all restrictions on the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance while agencies such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East must be allowed to resume its humanitarian mission.

The prolonged suffering of innocent civilians in Gaza arising from excessive Israeli military reaction to the terror attacks of Hamas since Oct 7, 2023, is unconscionable, said the MFA, urging Israel to comply with its international humanitarian obligations.

“All civilians must be protected, especially those accessing humanitarian supplies. Permanent forced displacement is a further violation of international humanitarian law,” said the MFA spokesperson.

Singapore also urges Hamas to release all remaining hostages immediately and unconditionally.

The MFA reiterated Singapore’s position for a negotiated two-state solution as the only viable path for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace.