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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Gill, Mandhana win top BCCI awards
New Delhi (PTI): Prolific batters Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana were named the Best International Cricketers (Men's and Women's) at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 here on Sunday, recognising their outstanding performances in the 2024–2025 season.
Gill won the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award, while Mandhana received the award for the fifth time.
For Gill, it was his second Cricketer of the Year award after first winning it in 2023.
Former stars Roger Binny, Rahul Dravid and Mithali Raj were honoured with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the BCCI's highest honour, recognising their outstanding service to Indian cricket.
India's five trophy-winning sides (2025 ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, 2025 U-19 Women's World Cup, 2026 Men's U-19 World Cup, and 2026 T20 World Cup) were honoured as well on the occasion.
Gill enjoyed a stellar 2025 and established himself as one of the team's most dependable batters in the longer formats.
On the tour of England, skipper Gill led from the front in the five-Test series, finishing as the top run-getter with 754 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.40, including four centuries and a top score of 269.
Gill also played a pivotal role in India's Champions Trophy triumph last year, having entered the tournament as the No.1-ranked ODI batter in the world. He made an unbeaten 101 against Bangladesh in India's opening match, and finished the tournament with 188 runs.
Mandhana finished 2025 with 1,703 international runs, including 1,362 in ODIs, the most by any woman in a calendar year. In doing so, Mandhana became the first batter in women's ODI history to score 1,000 runs in a single calendar year.
Mandhana also made handsome contributions to India's maiden Women's World Cup title triumph, aggregating 434 runs in nine matches to end as the tournament as India's leading run-scorer and the second-highest overall.
Before the World Cup, the left-hander Mandhana smashed a 50-ball century against Australia in New Delhi to register the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian batter, surpassing Virat Kohli's 52-ball effort.
Shafali Varma (Best Woman Cricketer Senior Domestic One-Day), Ira Jadhav (Best Woman Cricketer (Domestic), Harsh Dubey (Best All Rounder in the Ranji Trophy), and Ayush Mhatre (Best All Rounder in Domestic Limited Overs Competitions) too won awards for their strong performances across the 2024-25 domestic season.
