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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Explosion near CRPF School in Delhi caused by lit cigarette butts: Report
New Delhi: The investigation team that probed the explosion that took place outside the CRPF School in the Prashant Vihar area of the city on October 20 morning has reportedly not found any terror force behind the blast.
The investigation team, consisting of Delhi Police and staff members from central agencies, has stated in its report that cigarette butts thrown by a local resident might have come in contact with industrial waste and have caused the explosion. Circumstantial evidence does not show the incident to have a terror angle to it, reports The Indian Express.
The Delhi Police, the city bomb squad and the fire brigade had rushed to the spot following the explosion, which was initially believed to have been caused by a crude bomb. The forensic experts who inspected the spot hinted at the presence of potassium chlorate, hydrogen peroxide and some electrical wires there. The school wall had been damaged and the windows of a car nearby had shattered in the explosion.
The investigation team scanned the CCTV camera footage and zeroed in on around 10 people questioned. A senior police officer said that a North Delhi-based businessman from Prashant Vihar was found to be present at the spot around five minutes before the explosion, as he had come there on Sunday morning to walk his dog. The CCTV footage showed him smoking and, after questioning him, the team concluded that he had left lit cigarette butts before leaving the spot, the officer added.
The spot where the explosion took place is learned to have been usually used for dumping garbage and also has a public urinal.
An officer has said that the Delhi Police had consulted forensic and technical experts of the National Security Guard regarding the things found on the explosion site but are yet to get the report. The officer added that they have found no detonator so far.
