Singapore to deliver fourth tranche of aid to Gaza; studying ICJ’s advisory on Israeli settlements
ICJ ADVISORY ON ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS
Singapore is also studying the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion on Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories “very carefully”, said Dr Balakrishnan.
The opinion, published on Friday, ruled that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories were illegal and all states should cooperate to bring an end to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
These included settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the regime associated with them, ICJ President Nawaf Salam said.
The findings by ICJ’s judges are not binding but carry weight under international law and may weaken support for Israel.
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore’s long-standing position on Israeli settlements has been “clear and consistent”.
“We view Israel’s settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law,” he said.
“These settlements, in fact, make it much harder to arrive at a negotiated two-state solution.”
Dr Balakrishnan reiterated that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was “long-standing and complicated”.
“Singapore’s principled position is that both sides need to find the political will to resume negotiations with the support of the international community in order to make progress towards a two-state solution consistent with the UN Security Council resolutions,” he said.
In the meantime, Singapore remains committed to supporting the Palestinian Authority through the S$10 million (US$7.4 million) Enhanced Technical Assistance Package and will continue to find practical ways to help Palestinians in these difficult times, he added.
