In the last week, the armed conflict in Gaza has hotted up. Hundreds of people have been killed, mostly civilians, including many children and infants. The loss of innocent lives is tragic and painful. The Middle East is far away, but still we empathise with the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people, because of our common humanity.
Alas there is no easy solution. The Israel-Palestinian problem goes back almost a century. The distrust and enmity are mutual, and deep. Yet there is no future in this endless cycle of violence and retribution.
Any lasting solution must begin with restraint and an end to violence, by both sides. I hope all parties will work together to stop this latest episode of violence.
Let’s keep the victims of the ongoing conflict in our thoughts and prayers. MUIS is collecting funds for humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Singaporeans have donated generously, and not only Muslims. I hope more concerned Singaporeans will continue showing support in this way. – LHL
Konflik bersenjata di Gaza semakin meruncing sepanjang seminggu ini. Ratusan nyawa terkorban, kebanyakannya orang awam termasuk ramai kanak-kanak dan bayi. Korban jiwa mereka yang tidak bersalah dalam jumlah yang besar ini, amat menyayat hati. Walaupun Timur Tengah begitu jauh, kita dapat rasakan kepahitan dan kesengsaraan yang ditanggung rakyat Palestin kerana ikatan kemanusian yang kita semua kongsi bersama.
Tiada huraian mudah. Masalah Israel-Palestin berakar umbi hampir seabad lamanya. Mereka saling tidak mempercayai dan permusuhan begitu mendalam. Lingkaran keganasan dan tindak balas yang tiada penghujung tidak menjanjikan masa depan yang baik untuk rakyat.
Sebarang huraian jangka panjang mesti bermula dengan kedua-dua pihak menghentikan keganasan. Saya harap semua pihak bekerjasama untuk akhiri gelombang keganasan terbaru ini.
Marilah kita sama-sama mendoakan kesejahteraan mangsa-mangsa konflik yang sedang berlaku ini. MUIS mengumpul dana bagi bantuan kemanusiaan untuk Gaza. Rakyat Singapura telah menyumbang dengan murah hati termasuk bukan Muslim. Saya harap rakyat Singapura yang prihatin akan terus memberi sokongan mereka melalui cara ini. – LHL
(Those who wish to contribute can do so at donation boxes placed at all mosques till 24 July, or donate online via MUIS’ website. / Photo courtesy of MUIS)
Authored by Lee Hsien Loong
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