Singapore — In a high-level diplomatic alignment, Singapore and France jointly denounced Israel’s continued blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, signaling a notable shift in tone from both Asian and European partners toward stronger accountability on international humanitarian law.
Speaking during a joint press conference on May 30, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong asserted that the restrictions on aid may constitute a violation of international law, marking one of the strongest statements Singapore has issued on the Israel-Palestine conflict in recent years.
“The restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies are completely unacceptable. In our opinion, it may even be a likely breach of international humanitarian law,” Wong stated.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the sentiment, calling the situation on the ground in Gaza “unbearable,” and indicating that the European Union may need to escalate its stance—including possible sanctions—if the blockade persists.
Both leaders stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, and full humanitarian access. Their joint statement comes as both nations prepare to take part in a UN-led international summit on the Palestinian issue this June, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving meaningful pathways to a two-state solution.
While France has long pursued an independent Middle East policy, Macron’s latest remarks reflect growing frustration in Europe over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza conflict. Singapore’s position, though traditionally calibrated, now leans more assertively toward global human rights enforcement—without compromising its core strategic neutrality.
This diplomatic convergence is not merely symbolic. It reflects a broader realignment of values-based foreign policy in Asia, where governments increasingly balance traditional non-interference with emerging regional responsibilities in humanitarian discourse.
The Asia-Europe consensus emerging through the voices of Macron and Wong also underscores a potential third axis in global geopolitics—beyond the binary tensions of US-China rivalry—one that emphasizes legality, moral clarity, and human security.
As the Gaza conflict continues to reverberate globally, Singapore and France’s unified call for action may serve as a regional template for leadership that is principled, measured, and globally aware.
