Singapore Singapore on Sunday condemned Iran's air strikes on Israel, saying they could escalate tensions and further destabilize the already tense region.
Iran launched dozens of missiles and drones from its territory towards Israel during an unprecedented five-hour strike in response to the attack on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.
"These escalating attacks escalate tensions and further destabilize an already tense region," the External Affairs Ministry said here.
"Singapore is deeply concerned about the volatile situation in the Middle East and the continuing threat of war in Gaza, which is provoking regional conflict," the statement said.
Singapore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalating actions.Referring to the ongoing war in Gaza, which began following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the ministry said: “The focus should be on achieving an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of hostages; “And the immediate, safe and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected civilians throughout Gaza.”
According to Israel, the Gaza war was sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas' attacks on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and 253 taken hostage. It is said that about 130 people are still being held hostage in Gaza.
More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli counterattacks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, leaving most of the 2.3 million population displaced and facing a humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and budget carrier Scoot have stopped flying over Iranian airspace after Iran launched its first direct attack on Israeli territory on April 13.As a precaution, both SIA and Scoot are using alternative flight paths from 1pm Singapore time on April 13, The Straits Times newspaper reports.
SIA Group said its top priority is the safety of its customers and its employees.
"We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and will adjust our flight paths as necessary," the spokesperson said."
Iran launched dozens of missiles and drones from its territory towards Israel during an unprecedented five-hour strike in response to the attack on its diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.
"These escalating attacks escalate tensions and further destabilize an already tense region," the External Affairs Ministry said here.
"Singapore is deeply concerned about the volatile situation in the Middle East and the continuing threat of war in Gaza, which is provoking regional conflict," the statement said.
Singapore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalating actions.Referring to the ongoing war in Gaza, which began following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the ministry said: “The focus should be on achieving an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of hostages; “And the immediate, safe and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected civilians throughout Gaza.”
According to Israel, the Gaza war was sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas' attacks on Israel, which left 1,200 dead and 253 taken hostage. It is said that about 130 people are still being held hostage in Gaza.
More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli counterattacks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, leaving most of the 2.3 million population displaced and facing a humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and budget carrier Scoot have stopped flying over Iranian airspace after Iran launched its first direct attack on Israeli territory on April 13.As a precaution, both SIA and Scoot are using alternative flight paths from 1pm Singapore time on April 13, The Straits Times newspaper reports.
SIA Group said its top priority is the safety of its customers and its employees.
"We are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and will adjust our flight paths as necessary," the spokesperson said."
