Singaporeans reflect on the Gaza conflict: Balancing empathy, neutrality and national cohesion

The devastation in Gaza has become a moral and emotional flashpoint for some Singaporeans, who are grappling with empathy, restraint, and the boundaries of expression in a multiracial, multireligious society. While the government navigates diplomacy, ordinary Singaporeans have expressed solidarity in diverse ways. At a Lianhe Zaobao–Berita Harian roundtable dialogue convened on Sept 9, participants emphasised that empathy should transcend borders. Some highlighted the moral imperative to act: “Emotions are what make us human—the question is how we channel them productively,” NTU Assoc Prof of Political Science Walid Jumblatt Abdullah said. Others reflected on Singapore’s international obligations. “If countries can willy-nilly break international rules, it puts Singapore in a more precarious state,” noted political observer and NTU lecturer Dr Felix Tan.

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