Today/CNA-July 25
The threat of terrorism has risen since the re-escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict on Oct 7 last year, and developments since have also impacted Singapore, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said on Thursday (July 25). “The conflict has generated emotive responses worldwide, including acts of violence, and terrorist elements have leveraged the conflict to further their agenda and called for attacks,” the agency said in the Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024. The longstanding conflict had escalated after Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip, with the latter responding with airstrikes and an invasion of Gaza. The US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said in March this year that “it is likely that the Gaza conflict will have a generational impact on terrorism”. Terrorist groups, like the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Isis) and Al-Qaeda, have used the conflict to recruit new members, calling on Muslims worldwide to support their Palestinian brethren. Hamas leaders have also called for attacks against those linked to Israel, the US and their allies. “There has been an uptick in anti-Singapore sentiments on social media, among regional netizens who perceive Singapore to be pro-Israel,” ISD said. “Some regional extremist elements have also taken issue with Singapore’s contribution of personnel to Operation Prosperity Guardian and have made online posts inciting for Singapore to be targeted.” The US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian aims to secure maritime shipping through the Red Sea. The ISD noted that there have been social media posts calling for attacks against Singapore using “bombs” and “rockets” and calling for the country to be “destroyed” and “wiped out”. Singapore’s interests may hence be caught in the crossfire, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. For instance, the Yemen-based Houthis have reportedly attacked over 80 commercial vessels since November last year, targeting vessels linked to Israel – including those whose owners have business with the Israelis. In the past months, at least two Singapore-flagged vessels have been struck in these attacks, said ISD. Read more at: https://www.todayonline.com/news/terrorism-threat-elevated-renewed-israel-palestine-conflict-singapore-also-affected-isd-2465031
