Singapore deploys RSAF aircraft to deliver urgent aid for Gaza

SINGAPORE - Singapore has deployed a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft to deliver life-saving supplies for civilians in Gaza, the Foreign Ministry (MFA) and Defence Ministry (Mindef) said.

An RSAF Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) conveying humanitarian assistance departed from Changi Air Base (East) for Egypt in the early hours of Thursday, according to a joint statement by the ministries today.

Singaporeans have donated more than S$7 million in cash and in-kind to support relief efforts in Gaza, said the statement.

"Singaporeans are deeply concerned for the civilians in Gaza who are facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the war,” said Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

"We are grateful for the generous outpouring of support and fundraising by the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation, Mercy Relief, Relief Singapore and non-governmental organisations (NGOs),” he said.

The republic extended its gratitude to the government of Egypt and the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) for their support in facilitating the delivery to Gaza.

According to the statement, the package comprises medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, blankets, sanitation items, water filters and food.

It was contributed by the Health Ministry (MOH), Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and NGOs, including SRC, Mercy Relief, and Relief Singapore.

The statement said MFA had engaged the ERC to determine what supplies were most needed.

The SAF’s Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Coordination Centre (RHCC) led efforts to coordinate and consolidate aid from participating agencies.

"This package is Singapore’s second tranche of humanitarian assistance for Gaza,” said the statement.

Balakrishnan and Senior Minister of State for Defence, Zaqy Mohamad, were at Changi Air Base (East) to send off the RSAF crew, along with the Egyptian ambassador-designate to Singapore, Ahmed Mostafa Abdelaal Mohamed; Singapore’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority, Hawazi Daipi, and representatives from NGOs.

The statement said Singapore’s ambassador to Egypt, Dominic Goh, will witness the handover of the humanitarian package to the ERC upon arrival in Egypt.

"Singapore will continue to work closely with our partners to offer additional assistance and support to the affected communities.

"We urge all parties to allow the immediate, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected in Gaza,” said the joint statement.

Meanwhile, SRC’s head of Global Engagement, Rebekah Lim, said beside sending relief supplies such as hygiene kits, food parcels and medical items in the initial tranches of support, SRC is now able to deploy water filters through the humanitarian flight to Egypt coordinated by the RHCC.

"We believe these water filters will be useful in providing clean drinking water for the civilians in Gaza,” said Lim.

According to her, the situation on the ground is complex.

"It is only through the strong collaboration with the authorities and our humanitarian partners like the ERC, that we are able to channel assistance to those in need in Gaza." - BERNAMA