Response to belligerence
Summary
On Sept 10, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s Sept 9 air strike in Doha as a “blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty,” warning it endangered ceasefire negotiations and hostage-release talks in Gaza. Qatar denounced the attack, aimed at Hamas leaders, as “cowardly” and unlawful, while world leaders including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.S. President Donald Trump also criticised the strike, cautioning it risked escalating regional tensions. Singapore declared solidarity with Qatar, with Guterres urging a permanent ceasefire, not further conflict. Israel, however, insisted the operation was entirely its own and took “full responsibility” for targeting Hamas leaders.
Concepts
Sovereignty
Such a case study teaches us about the importance of sovereignty, the fundamental principle that every nation must be free to govern its own affairs without external intrusion, for without this assurance, no country can feel truly secure in its independence. /n For small states like Singapore, sovereignty is not a theoretical concept but an existential safeguard, as our very survival depends on the international community upholding and respecting this rule. /n When Israel’s strike encroached upon Qatar’s territory, Singapore’s condemnation was not rooted in political partisanship but in the defence of this principle, for to remain silent would erode the very foundation upon which our future rests.
Moral Signalling
At the same time, such a response is also an act of moral signalling: by speaking out, Singapore signals to the world what we stand for—diplomacy, respect for international law, and the preservation of peace. /n This signalling is not mere symbolism, but a strategic necessity, for it reassures both other nations and our own citizens that we are consistent in our values. /n As a country that cannot afford to fight wars, Singapore’s strength lies in its credibility, diplomacy, and the ability to rally international norms to our side. /n Thus, condemning violations of sovereignty is both a principled stand and a pragmatic one, ensuring that small states like ours remain protected in a world where power alone cannot be our shield.