The Singapore government strongly rebuked the Israeli embassy in response to a controversial Facebook post regarding Palestine, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and harmony in the multicultural nation.
Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam expressed deep concern over the post, which compared mentions of Israel and Palestine in the Quran, labeling it “completely unacceptable.”
He highlighted the potential risks the post posed to Singapore’s safety and harmony, particularly for minority communities like Jews and Muslims.
The Israeli embassy swiftly removed the post, stating it was made without approval and the responsible individual had been punished, citing “security reasons” for not disclosing further details.
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Despite this, Minister Shanmugam criticized the attempt to use religious texts for political purposes, calling it an “astonishing attempt to rewrite history.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the inappropriateness of referencing sacred texts for political gain.
Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli condemned the post as “insensitive and disrespectful,” urging calm and civil discourse to preserve peace and harmony among communities.
The Singapore government reiterated its support for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, aligning with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The embassy’s post drew widespread criticism, coinciding with Dr. Balakrishnan’s recent visits to Israel and the Palestinian territories, where he expressed concerns over Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Singapore’s stance underscores its commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue while upholding principles of respect and diplomacy.
