Details in a press release show that The Office of the Commissioner of Charities (COC) met with Mr Gilbert Goh from Love Aid Singapore (LAS) on 21 September 2026 to discuss a few matters raised by him. First, in relation to Mr Goh’s intent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with one of LAS’ proposed partners, the Al-Awda Hospital (AAH), the COC’s Office clarified that it was LAS’ decision to make. However, the COC’s Office highlighted the importance of LAS conducting proper due diligence on its proposed partners for collaboration. It informed Mr Goh that the Palestinian Authority (PA) has indicated that AAH is not affiliated with the PA, and that the PA has no role in its management.
The statement does not mention any specific details about the Al-Awda Hospital. The statement does not mention any prior agreements between LAS and the AAH. The statement does not state the nature of the collaboration that LAS intended to pursue.
On Mr Goh’s request for MFA’s endorsement to aid in his registering LAS as a NGO in Gaza, MFA has since sought clarification from the PA, which advised that organisations carrying out humanitarian operations in the West Bank and Gaza have to register with the PA Ministry of Interior. The PA had further advised that such organisations are not required to obtain the endorsement of their respective governments for the registration.
The Singapore Government encourages Singaporeans to continue supporting humanitarian efforts for Gaza through credible channels such as the PA, international agencies such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, and local charities such as the Singapore Red Cross and Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation Ltd. The statement does not address the specific activities LAS intends to undertake in Gaza.
The statement does not mention any specific funding arrangements. The statement does not address the potential risks associated with operating an NGO in Gaza.
If the PA continues to require registration with the Ministry of Interior, and if LAS is willing to comply, then LAS will be able to register as an NGO in Gaza. Should the PA’s conditions remain unchanged, the statement suggests that LAS will need to adapt its operational approach.
The statement does not address the broader geopolitical context of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The statement does not provide a timeline for the registration process. It remains unclear whether the MFA will provide further guidance or support to LAS.
Conclusion: The meeting highlights the complexities of operating a humanitarian organization in a conflict zone, where regulatory frameworks and political considerations heavily influence operational possibilities. The continued reliance on the PA for registration underscores the limitations of direct governmental endorsement in this context.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
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