Singapore calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, immediate hostage release
Singapore: Singapore has urged all parties involved in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and to unconditionally release all hostages. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed the nation’s “deep concern” over the Israeli Parliament's recent legislation that prohibits the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) from operating in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, a law passed on October 28.
Balakrishnan highlighted that this legislation could impede the essential work of UN agencies providing relief in Gaza. He commended the contributions of UNICEF, UNRWA, and other agencies for their critical support to those in need.
At a ceremony, Singapore announced a humanitarian assistance package of SGD700,000, the fifth tranche of aid to Gaza. This funding comes from the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation’s ongoing fundraising campaign, supplemented by a US$200,000 contribution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To date, Singapore has committed approximately SGD18 million in humanitarian support to the affected populations in Gaza.
Dr. Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s stance, conveying to the Israeli government that its military response has exceeded acceptable limits. He affirmed that Singapore remains dedicated to offering humanitarian assistance, working closely with international partners to ensure timely delivery.
The Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, remarked on the emotional toll of the conflict on Singaporeans, noting the collective efforts of various community groups to provide aid to those affected. He highlighted the Harmony-in-Action fundraising campaign launched by interfaith groups to support the relief efforts.
In collaboration with Egypt and Jordan, Singapore has successfully delivered previous aid tranches, including food supplies. Balakrishnan indicated that further assistance is being explored, promising continued support for Gaza’s humanitarian needs.
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Stalin accuses Centre of trying to use women's quota as 'weapon,' slams EPS over delimitation
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticised the Centre over the women's reservation and accused it of trying to use it as a "weapon" to tackle the opposition before taking up the delimitation exercise based on population.
"The Union government is not concerned about implementing reservations for women. If their concerns were genuine, they could have done it right away. Rather than doing that, the BJP-led Centre is thinking of using it as a weapon to tackle opposition and take up the delimitation exercise based on population," he told PTI in an interview.
"Hence, the women's reservation must be implemented immediately without showing delimitation as a reason," the DMK president added.
Expressing apprehensions on the proposed delimitation exercise, the CM said it was the DMK that raised the first voice asserting the rights of the state after realising that Tamil Nadu would be affected by the proposed exercise. He also attacked his rival and AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami over the delimitation issue.
Recalling efforts made by the DMK to raise the issue of population-based delimitation, he said an all-party meeting and a meeting of CMs under the auspices of the Joint Action Committee seeking fair delimitation were convened. It sought to freeze delimitation for 25 years and stick to it based on the 1971 Census population.
"We urged the union government that states which successfully implemented population control programmes must not be punished," he added.
The party came up with "Tamil Nadu poradum, Tamil Nadu vellum" (Tamil Nadu will struggle, Tamil Nadu will win) and this is DMK's stand, he said.
"However, Palaniswami, who is seeking votes for the entry of the BJP through the backdoor, has till date been mute over delimitation, and this is a betrayal of the people of Tamil Nadu."
