Singapore minister Vivian Balakrishnan’s visit to Palestinian territories a ‘visible gesture’ by city state

“If that can be achieved, then a whole flood of humanitarian assistance can reach the civilians in Gaza, and the best way of doing this would be through a ground-based route,” Balakrishnan earlier said.

His delegation met officials from the Palestinian Authority on Monday in Ramallah, with the Singapore minister telling media that both sides had “very candid discussions”, and that while there was mutual respect, “it doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything”.

“Singapore has been more vocal on the excessiveness of Israel’s behaviour and called for a ceasefire while still noting Israel’s need for self-defence. So there has been some shift in language, but limited change in substance,” said Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist from the National University of Singapore (NUS).

“Singapore probably sees itself as not being in a position to affect developments in the Middle East while still valuing cooperation with Israel, especially in terms of military cooperation,” he said.

Domestic calls for the government to speak out against Israel’s violence and to do more to support Palestinians had also “encouraged Singapore to adjust its position”, Chong suggested.

Bilveer Singh, a political scientist from the NUS, said Singapore’s “initial gung ho stance” on sovereignty had eased to a tone that appeared more empathetic to the plight of Palestinians.

“Singapore sending humanitarian aid is a clear signal that we do not agree with what the Israelis are doing, especially in terms of creating a humanitarian crisis,” he said.

Balakrishnan began his Middle East trip last Friday in Doha, where he met Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister. In Jordan, he visited an airbase where Singapore’s third tranche of humanitarian aid for Gaza arrived on