Singapore — In a rare and pointed joint statement, Singapore and France sharply criticized Israel’s ongoing blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, raising alarms over potential violations of international law and signalling a possible shift in diplomatic posture toward the Israeli government.
At a joint press conference held on May 30 at Singapore’s Parliament House, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated unequivocally that Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery “may even be a likely breach of international humanitarian law.”
“The restrictions imposed on humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable. In our opinion, they cannot be justified,” Wong said, standing alongside visiting French President Emmanuel Macron.
While Singapore continues to recognize Israel’s right to self-defense, PM Wong added that the scale of the response has gone too far. “Its actions have caused a terrible humanitarian disaster,” he said, calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and the unhindered flow of aid.
President Macron echoed the sentiment, declaring that the Israeli army’s obstruction of global aid efforts has made the humanitarian situation “unbearable.” He warned that unless there is a drastic change “in the coming hours and days,” the European Union may have to adopt a “hardened” collective position.
“All the humanitarian aid coming from all around the world is being blocked. This is not acceptable,” Macron said. While not announcing sanctions outright, he indicated that Europe is considering such measures should conditions not improve.
The remarks came as both leaders announced an upgraded bilateral relationship between Singapore and France, spanning defense, intelligence sharing, and civilian nuclear cooperation. Yet it was the Gaza issue that dominated the international headlines.
Singapore also confirmed its participation in an upcoming United Nations-hosted international summit in June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, which will aim to create a viable roadmap toward peace in the region. Focus areas will include long-term security, reconstruction, and the economic viability of a future Palestinian state.
Macron’s remarks further indicate that France, long walking a delicate diplomatic line in Middle East affairs, is now willing to pressure Israel more openly if humanitarian obligations continue to be ignored.
The joint stance by Singapore and France is a notable escalation in international diplomatic language and puts increased pressure on Israel, as global patience over civilian suffering in Gaza rapidly wears thin.
