Halimah Yacob denounces global inaction on killings in Gaza as conflict intensifies

SINGAPORE: Former President of Singapore, Madam Halimah Yacob, known for her vocal stance on Palestinian issues, recently expressed her outrage over a bombing incident in a Gaza school by Israeli forces, which resulted in the deaths of 80 displaced Palestinians.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (14 Aug), Mdm Halimah described the current conditions in Gaza as dire, highlighting the recent deadly strike by the Israeli Defence Force that claimed the lives of 80 displaced Palestinians.

Mdm Halimah criticizes global inaction on Gaza crisis

Mdm Halimah criticized the international community’s response to the conflict, stating, “And what is the world doing? Nothing except for exhortations after exhortations calling for a ceasefire with no concrete effort.”

She noted that, according to the UN, 90% of the Palestinian population is displaced.

“Where is the morality of this all, not to mention the sheer inhumanity of it?” she questioned.

Mdm Halimah remarked on the selective application of international humanitarian law, lamenting that this is what the world has been reduced to.

Reflecting on the global response to other conflicts, she drew comparisons with the recent events in Ukraine, saying, “After Russia’s attack on Ukraine, we hear endlessly of the need to uphold the rules-based global order defined by international laws.”

Mdm Halimah expressed her dismay over the international community’s reaction to the situation in Gaza, stating that the muted and weak protestations over the gross inhumanity happening in Gaza are appalling.

She concluded her post with a call to action, urging the world to “Stand on the side of humanity.”

Israeli forces bomb a school used as shelter by displaced Palestinians

On Saturday morning (10 Aug), Israeli forces bombed Tabeen School in Gaza, where approximately 6,000 displaced Palestinians had sought refuge.

The attack occurred as many inside the school were preparing for dawn prayers.

The bombing resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with at least 100 people confirmed dead, an increase from the initial reports of 80 fatalities.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the strike targeted Hamas operatives, claiming to have killed around 20 militants, including a senior commander.

However, Hamas disputes these claims, stating that none of the deceased were combatants.

Since the beginning of the Israeli assault on 7 October, the death toll in Gaza has reached nearly 40,000, with over 92,000 injured, including women and children.

The UN agency reports that approximately 1.9 million Palestinians are now displaced in Gaza.

In a related development, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have presented a plan to implement a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.

The plan urges Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations to finalize the agreement, emphasizing that there are no excuses “from any party for further delay.”