Berita Harian – PM Wong: The Conflict in Gaza Reflects the State of the World Today: The Need for Unity

The ongoing conflict in Gaza highlights the current state of the world, where the global order is shifting, and signs of danger and escalating unrest are becoming more apparent. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised that Singapore can only navigate these changes successfully if its citizens remain strong and united, during his attendance at an aid-packing and iftar event organised by Humanity Matters on 2 March.

“What’s troubling is that the ongoing conflict in Gaza reflects the broader state of our world today. Major global powers are deeply engaged in fierce competition, and global institutions and norms are weakening. Unfortunately, the world is starting to resemble a lawless jungle, where strength is seen as the ultimate right,” said Prime Minister Wong.

“We are entering a new and challenging phase, and we can only overcome it if we stand strong and united as a people. So tonight, as we extend our help to those in need overseas, we must also appreciate and protect what we have here—a society that lives in peace, regardless of race or religion,” he added.

He further emphasised that this unity is what makes Singapore unique and will empower the country to face challenges and build a brighter future.

The event, held at the Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) in Yishun, brought together 300 volunteers from various racial and religious backgrounds to pack 5,000 “Kidz Comfort Packs” (KCPs) for child victims in Gaza.

Prime Minister Wong noted that even though Gaza is far from Singapore, “as fellow human beings, we can still feel some of their suffering.” He stressed that Singapore cannot ignore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and must continue working with its partners in the Middle East to address the critical needs of the Gazan people.

“Apart from providing humanitarian aid, Singapore will fully support international efforts to establish a homeland and a state for the Palestinian people as part of a negotiated two-state solution,” he said. “We will continue supporting the Palestinian Authority’s capacity-building and helping the Palestinian people when they govern their own country in the future.”

At the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Pacific International Lines (PIL) and Humanity Matters to collaborate on humanitarian efforts and community development, with a focus on ASEAN and Middle Eastern countries.

Also attending the aid-packing and iftar event were Minister of State for Home Affairs and Law, Mr. K. Shanmugam; Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim; and other Nee Soon GRC MPs.

This marks the fourth aid-packing event organised by Humanity Matters, following the successful packing in March 2024 and the delivery of 5,000 KCPs to Gaza in July 2024. Volunteers were joined by community leaders and grassroots members for the collective iftar meal.

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