SINGAPORE, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Singapore called for the "immediate full resumption" of humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza and "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday night.
The remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would take control of the entire Gaza Strip. Speaking a day after announcing the partial resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel would allow only "minimal and basic" assistance for a limited period.
Since March 2, Israel has prevented all aid from entering the Palestinian enclave, saying the move is intended to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a hostage release deal on terms acceptable to Israel.
"Singapore reiterates its support for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the ministry said, calling it "the only viable path to achieving a comprehensive, just and durable solution" to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"We urge parties to refrain from unilateral actions that hinder the peace process. The conflict cannot be resolved by the permanent forced displacement of Palestinian civilians," it said. ■