Latest News

No proof of any Singaporean fighting for Israel in Gaza, government says

February 19, 2026 at 12:42 PM
By Jean Iau
No proof of any Singaporean fighting for Israel in Gaza, government says
Singapore has no substantiated information that any Singaporean is or was fighting as part of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the war in Gaza, its Ministry of Home Affairs has said, after several media reports claimed two passport holders from the city state were among 200 Southeast Asians who had fought with Israeli troops. Qatari news outlet Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, citing information obtained by Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha under Israel’s Freedom of Information...

Analysis & Context

Singapore has no substantiated information that any Singaporean is or was fighting as part of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the war in Gaza, its Ministry of Home Affairs has said, after several media reports claimed two passport holders from the city state were among 200 Southeast Asians who had fought with Israeli troops. Qatari news outlet Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, citing information obtained by Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha under Israel’s Freedom of Information... This article provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of current events.
Singapore has no substantiated information that any Singaporean is or was fighting as part of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the war in Gaza, its Ministry of Home Affairs has said, after several media reports claimed two passport holders from the city state were among 200 Southeast Asians who had fought with Israeli troops. Qatari news outlet Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, citing information obtained by Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha under Israel’s Freedom of Information... AdvertisementSingaporeThis Week in AsiaPeopleNo proof of any Singaporean fighting for Israel in Gaza, government saysTwo Singapore passport holders were among the close to 200 Southeast Asians who fought for Israel, according to two media reportsReading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPJean IauPublished: 8:42pm, 19 Feb 2026Singapore has no substantiated information that any Singaporean is or was fighting as part of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) during the war in Gaza, its Ministry of Home Affairs has said, after several media reports claimed two passport holders from the city state were among 200 Southeast Asians who had fought with Israeli troops.Qatari news outlet Al Jazeera reported on Sunday, citing information obtained by Israeli non-governmental organisation Hatzlacha under Israel’s Freedom of Information Law, that two Singapore passport holders were among more than 50,000 soldiers in the IDF who hold at least one other citizenship. One of them holds dual citizenship with Israel, and another has multiple citizenships, according to the report. Singapore-based broadcaster CNA also carried a similar report on Thursday, citing the official data obtained by Hatzlacha.In Singapore, it is illegal for citizens to join, support or participate in foreign armed conflicts. These laws apply even if they commit the acts outside Singapore.AdvertisementAdult citizens aged 21 and above are not allowed to hold dual citizenship, and once they have attained the citizenship of another country, they have to renounce their Singapore citizenship as soon as possible, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.Responding to This Week in Asia, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Thursday it was aware of a foreign news report stating that two Singaporeans were among those who fought for the IDF during the conflict in Gaza.Advertisement“MHA does not have any substantiated information at this point that any Singaporean is/was fighting as part of the IDF,” said MHA.AdvertisementSelect VoiceSelect Speed0.8x0.9x1.0x1.1x1.2x1.5x1.75x00:0000:001.00x

Related Articles

Trump described as behaving like a ‘drunk uncle’  by CNN panelist after he compliments Nicki Minaj’s ‘beautiful skin’ and nails

Trump described as behaving like a ‘drunk uncle’ by CNN panelist after he compliments Nicki Minaj’s ‘beautiful skin’ and nails

President Donald Trump’s praise for the rapper did not go down well with panellists on CNN’s NewsNight, who pointed to his long history of divisive rhetoric on race

Feb 19, 2026
Chess grandmaster Jan Timman nicknamed ‘the best of the West’ dies aged 74

Chess grandmaster Jan Timman nicknamed ‘the best of the West’ dies aged 74

Timman authored several chess books, including notable work on the Netherlands' sole world champion

Feb 19, 2026
PRC: 3,264 pass Feb. 2026 mechanical engineers licensure exam

PRC: 3,264 pass Feb. 2026 mechanical engineers licensure exam

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 3,264 out of 6,294 passed the February 2026 Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination, while 100 out of 120 passed the Certified Plant Mechanics Computer-Based Licensure Examination, said the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on Thursday. According to the PRC, the results were released just three days after the exams took place

Feb 19, 2026
Residents of Iloilo town warned of ashfall from Kanlaon

Residents of Iloilo town warned of ashfall from Kanlaon

ILOILO CITY — The municipal government of San Joaquin, Iloilo has issued an ashfall advisory after continuing ash emissions from Mt. Kanlaon Volcano raised concerns for communities downwind in Western Visayas. READ: Phivolcs reports Kanlaon Volcano explosive eruption In a public alert released on Thursday, Feb. 19, San Joaquin officials warned residents that volcanic ash

Feb 19, 2026
F35s, tankers and the world’s largest warship: Trump’s forces build up ahead of potential Iran strike

F35s, tankers and the world’s largest warship: Trump’s forces build up ahead of potential Iran strike

Reports suggest Donald Trump could launch attacks on Iran within days after weeks of growing tensions with Tehran

Feb 19, 2026
Starmer to pursue Chagos Islands deal despite Trump calling it a ‘big mistake’

Starmer to pursue Chagos Islands deal despite Trump calling it a ‘big mistake’

Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones said the Bill will return to Parliament as soon as the timetable allows

Feb 19, 2026

Cookie Consent

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and serve personalized ads. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn more about our cookie practices in our Privacy Policy.