Singapore: Channel News Asia reported Thursday that authorities in Singapore are investigating a student protest at the National University of Singapore (NUS) over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
On Monday, 100 pairs of shoes, as well as a white burial shroud, were laid out in front of the CREATE research building at NUS during the demonstration. “Students For Palestine Singapore” described the display as ‘mourning and honouring’ Palestinian students who have died during the conflict.
Due to its research alliance with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which the group says ‘vocally and financially supports the genocide in Gaza,’ the group chose the CREATE research building. Singaporean universities are being called on by protestors to cut ties with Israeli institutions and divest from Israeli military companies.
The case is being investigated, and police have confirmed a report has been filed. “This is an unauthorised act on our campus property, and a police report has been made,” an NUS spokesperson said.
Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohamad Maliki Osman will meanwhile visit Jordan to present a cheque to a charity organisation, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said. It plans to send more humanitarian supplies to the Palestinians.
We need to remember there’s a world that needs help—desperately. Balakrishnan said that ‘we will continue to support the Palestinians.” He reasserted that Singapore continues to support a two-state settlement: ‘That is the only way we are going to have a comprehensive, just, and durable peace.’
Singapore has also made donations totalling more than S$18 million and six tranches of humanitarian assistance over the past year to the Palestinians. The country will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority and regional partners in support of humanitarian initiatives for civilians in Gaza.