The ongoing Gaza conflict has spurred global “emotive responses,” with Singapore witnessing a rise in anti-national rhetoric from regional extremists, says the Internal Security Department.
SINGAPORE: The resurgence of the Israel-Palestine conflict has heightened global terrorism threats, with Singapore feeling its impact, the Internal Security Department (ISD) reported on Thursday (Jul 25).
The conflict, which escalated significantly on Oct 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on Israel, has led to retaliatory actions including airstrikes and invasions by Israel. This prolonged violence has been exploited by terrorist groups to further their agendas.
Global Repercussions and Regional Risks
The ISD’s Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024 highlights that extremist groups, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda, have used the conflict to recruit members, urging Muslims worldwide to support the Palestinian cause. These calls for action have prompted anti-Singapore sentiments from regional extremist groups, accusing the nation of being pro-Israel.
Online posts have incited violence against Singapore, with mentions of using “bombs” and “rockets” and calls for the country to be “destroyed.” Such sentiments were amplified by Singapore’s participation in the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, aimed at safeguarding maritime routes in the Red Sea.
Increased hostilities in the Middle East have also resulted in targeted attacks on commercial vessels, including those linked to Singapore. The ISD cited at least two attacks on Singapore-flagged vessels in recent months.
Self-Radicalization: A Growing Concern
Closer to home, the threat of self-radicalization remains prevalent. Recent cases include a 14-year-old, the youngest detainee under the Internal Security Act (ISA), and a 33-year-old former public servant, both influenced by extremist narratives surrounding the conflict.
The ISD emphasizes that self-radicalized individuals are now the primary drivers of the terror threat in Singapore. Since 2015, 52 such cases have been handled under the ISA, including 13 Singaporean youths under 20 years old.
Continued Vigilance and Public Preparedness
The ISD warns that Islamist terrorism remains the dominant global threat, with ISIS continuing to orchestrate insurgencies and attacks worldwide, including Southeast Asia. A recent example includes a May 2024 attack in Ulu Tiram, Malaysia, where a 21-year-old inspired by extremist ideology killed two police officers.
Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs has called for heightened public vigilance, emphasizing that authorities may not always neutralize threats in time. Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities via the ISD Counter-Terrorism hotline at 1800-2626-473.
“Public preparedness is critical to our defense against terrorism. The community’s active role can make a significant difference in ensuring national safety,” the ISD stated.
