Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs in Jordan to strengthen Gaza humanitarian support

[SINGAPORE] Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Zaqy Mohamad, visited Jordan to engage in discussions aimed at enhancing international humanitarian support for Gaza. This visit highlights Singapore's ongoing commitment to aiding the people of Gaza during a time of immense need, as the region continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis.

The Gaza Strip, home to over two million residents, has been embroiled in conflict for decades, and the recent escalation of violence has exacerbated the situation. As the region grapples with widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life, humanitarian organizations have been working tirelessly to provide essential services like food, shelter, and medical aid. Despite international relief efforts, the scale of the crisis continues to outpace the resources available to address it.

The international community, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and humanitarian bodies, has been quick to respond with aid, but much more is needed. Zaqy's visit to Jordan marks a pivotal moment in these global efforts, as it aims to explore more sustainable solutions and further collaboration with regional actors.

Zaqy Mohamad's Visit to Jordan

During his visit, Zaqy met with senior Jordanian officials to discuss how the international community, and specifically Singapore, could contribute more effectively to Gaza's humanitarian needs. The discussions were centered on two primary objectives: improving the delivery of aid to Gaza and fostering long-term solutions to the humanitarian challenges the region faces.

As part of the discussions, Zaqy emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis. He noted that "Gaza’s situation is dire, and it requires immediate and coordinated action from all sectors of the international community to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most."

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

Jordan, as a key regional player in the Middle East, has long been involved in efforts to support Gaza and its people. The country hosts millions of refugees and plays a central role in diplomatic efforts to bring peace to the region. Zaqy’s discussions with Jordanian officials are intended to strengthen these existing ties and open new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the fields of humanitarian assistance, healthcare, and infrastructure rebuilding.

One of the key takeaways from the visit was the realization that humanitarian aid cannot be sustained indefinitely without addressing the root causes of the crisis. Zaqy stressed that, "While providing immediate aid is essential, it is equally important that we work towards long-term stability in Gaza, including through dialogue and economic recovery."

Singapore’s Role in Humanitarian Efforts

Singapore, though geographically distant, has consistently demonstrated a commitment to global humanitarian causes. The country has long been a supporter of UN initiatives and has provided financial aid, expertise, and resources to address crises around the world. Zaqy’s visit to Jordan underscores this continued commitment and aligns with Singapore’s broader foreign policy of contributing to global peace, stability, and development.

One notable initiative has been Singapore’s assistance in providing medical supplies and supporting regional relief operations in Gaza. By working through international organizations and collaborating with countries like Jordan, Singapore aims to ensure that its efforts are coordinated and effective.

Zaqy pointed out that "Singapore’s contributions may be modest, but every effort counts, and we remain committed to working with our partners to help alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza."

Collaborative Efforts with Jordan and Other Regional Actors

The discussions between Zaqy and Jordanian officials also explored ways in which Singapore could collaborate more closely with neighboring countries and international organizations. A key focus was on leveraging technology and innovation to improve the efficiency of aid distribution and enhance the resilience of Gaza’s population.

"We must explore new avenues of cooperation, including the use of technology to streamline aid distribution and ensure that resources reach those in need quickly and efficiently," Zaqy remarked. The potential for using digital platforms to coordinate aid and provide real-time information was a topic of particular interest.

The visit also highlighted the importance of engaging local communities in Gaza. Aid efforts, Zaqy emphasized, must prioritize the needs and perspectives of the local population. This approach ensures that humanitarian interventions are both relevant and sustainable.

The Importance of Multilateral Diplomacy

Zaqy’s visit also reaffirmed the importance of diplomacy in resolving the Gaza crisis. While humanitarian aid is critical, long-term solutions must address the political and social factors contributing to the conflict. The role of international diplomacy in bringing all parties to the negotiating table is crucial.

"Multilateral diplomacy remains a cornerstone of achieving a peaceful and stable Gaza," said Zaqy. "While humanitarian efforts are important in the short term, the international community must also work towards a lasting political resolution that addresses the underlying causes of the conflict."

This statement echoes Singapore’s stance on the importance of dialogue and negotiation in addressing