Love Aid S'pore charity won't proceed with partnership with Palestinian hospital

Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh has decided against proceeding with a partnership between his charity, Love Aid Singapore (LAS), and the Palestinian hospital Al-Awda Hospital. This decision comes after LAS received guidance from three Singaporean ministries, stating that the charity does not require their approval for humanitarian operations in Palestine.

LAS was required to register with the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Interior (MOI) if they were to carry out humanitarian operations in the West Bank and Gaza. Before being informed of this requirement, Goh had met with the Office of the Commissioner of Charities (COC) on September 21 to discuss signing a memorandum of understanding with Al-Awda Hospital.

The COC advised Goh that the decision to proceed with the agreement was up to LAS, but emphasized the importance of conducting due diligence on potential partners. Al-Awda Hospital, previously known as the Union of Health Work Committees, is operated by the Al-Awda Health and Community Association (AWDA). AWDA is allegedly affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Canada.

Despite the potential partnership, LAS had previously decided not to proceed with a partnership between the Singapore Love Polyclinic in Gaza and Al-Awda Hospital due to concerns over political affiliations. Goh clarified that the clinic, which has been run independently by a LAS-selected team, has been requested by the Palestinian Ministry of Health authorities in Gaza to operate through a partnership.

However, LAS decided not to move forward with the proposed partnership, stating their preference to retain direct leadership and oversee the clinic to maintain its independence, neutrality, and humanitarian purpose.