GAZA: A baby girl born in Gaza has been named “Singapore” — a gesture of gratitude toward a Singaporean charity that has provided vital food aid in the war-torn territory.
The infant’s father, Hamdan Hadad, works as a cook at a soup kitchen operated by Love Aid Singapore, a volunteer-run humanitarian group led by Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh.
Mr Hadad, who has worked at the kitchen for two years, said his wife relied on its daily meals throughout her pregnancy. “I’m happy and I want to name her Singapore because I really love them,” he said, while holding his newborn daughter.
Love Aid shared the news on social media on Oct. 18, posting a photo of the baby’s birth certificate and noting that the 2.7kg infant is the first Palestinian to be named “Singapore.” The group wished her good health and expressed hope that she would “grow up in a bright new world” under a lasting ceasefire.
The conflict in Gaza erupted in October 2023 after Hamas’ attack on Israel, which led to an Israeli military offensive that has since killed tens of thousands, many of them women and children. A phased ceasefire, mediated by international partners, began on Oct. 10.
The Singapore Red Cross has contributed at least S$1.9 million in humanitarian assistance to Gaza since 2023, supporting relief efforts by various partners, including Love Aid Singapore.
