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SINGAPORE - Singapore is gravely concerned that escalating tensions in the Middle East have put at risk efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and reiterates its call for all sides to comply with international law, said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Aug 7. Dr Balakrishnan, who was responding to questions filed by five MPs on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, also noted as “significant” the July 19 findings by the United Nations’ highest court The International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion, which said Israel’s obligations include evacuating all settlers from the settlements and paying restitution for harm caused, is its strongest findings to date on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Advisory opinions by the ICJ carry significant weight in the international legal system, even though they are not themselves legally binding, said Dr Balakrishnan. “Singapore’s longstanding position on Israeli settlements has been clear and consistent: Singapore views the Israeli settlements as illegal under international law,” he said. “These settlements make it much harder to arrive at a viable two-state solution.” Dr Balakrishnan noted that the Republic has consistently voted in support of UN General Assembly resolutions that reject Israeli settlement activities and call upon Israel to rescind all unilateral measures taken to change the status of Jerusalem. Asked by Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) how the Republic can ensure the conflict does not affect its social cohesion, Dr Balakrishnan urged Singaporeans to stay united, even as they may have different opinions and reactions to what is happening in the Middle East. He said that maintaining its domestic cohesion is how Singapore can play its role as a responsible member of the international community, such as to provide humanitarian assistance where needed and maintain open communication channels with all parties, “even though some of these parties may be at war or doing things which, quite frankly, we find abhorrent”. Dr Balakrishnan noted that Singaporeans of all races, languages and religions have raised more than $17 million of assistance for Gaza to date, and that the Government has been able to work with partner countries in the Middle East to deliver this aid. “I hope members of this House will see that, even in this dark hour, the unity of Singaporeans, the goodwill and generosity of Singaporeans and the calm, measured, principled, consistent diplomatic posture of Singapore is something which has been noticed and appreciated, certainly in the Middle East, but even on the international stage,” he said. Mr Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) asked whether Singapore intends to play a role, however small, in bringing the different sides together, given its access to parties on all sides of the conflict. Dr Balakrishnan said the Republic has such access because it is known to be fair-minded, does not grandstand, and is prepared to help wherever it can. But it should not overstep, or assume that it has a greater role than it can actually play, “given that we are still far away and many steps removed from them”, he added. “Until the top leaders in the two warring tribes can arrive at a conclusion that violence is not the answer, that concessions are essential, and that these two related peoples have to learn to live with each other, both peoples occupying contested land are not going to leave, and they will be a reality for each other till the end of time,” he said. “It is that realisation, and that change in spirit and perspective, that will be necessary.” On the intensified fighting along Lebanon’s southern border and in recent days, Dr Balakrishnan said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has an existing advisory against travel to Lebanon, the Israel-Lebanon border, and the Israel-Syria border. One Singaporean is currently e-registered in Lebanon after travelling there despite knowing the dangers, he said. “MFA will remain in close touch with all the Singaporeans who are e-registered in the region, and our embassy in Tel Aviv stands ready to provide consular assistance,” he added. “All travellers to the Middle East are strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA, and please take precautions for personal safety.”