Three Singaporean women are facing charges for sending letters to the prime minister asking him to cut ties with Israel.

The police released a statement urging Singaporeans "not to engage in activities that will damage the peace, public order and social harmony" and not to "break the law to express their views, nor emulate the protesters in other countries".

Public demonstrations need permits from police, who said they do not grant permits for demonstrations that protest issues in other countries, according to BBC news. 

On Feb. 2, the three women took part in a protest of 70 people, who marched with watermelon umbrellas —a symbol of Palestinian resistance. The demonstration made their way to the gates of the presidential compound—which also houses the PM's Office—and handed staff members 140 letters. 

This comes in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has killed more than 35,000 people and wounded over 86,000.

Singapore has diplomatic and military ties to Israel. Between 2018 and 2022, the country imported 73 million dollars worth of Israeli weapons and was the tenth largest customer of Israel arms.

The three women could be fined up to S$10,000 (£5,800, $7,300) or jailed for up to six months.

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