A Singaporean man has taken down a Palestinian flag that he had displayed over the parapet of his HDB flat yesterday, after being advised by the police.

The man who only wanted to be known as Gulam, 33, hung the Palestinian flag over the 11th storey parapet outside his flat at Block 54 Sims Drive on the morning of 14 July. He had also added the word “free” to the bottom of the flag, in support for Palestine in the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has centred around the Gaza Strip.

He had also posted of the flag hanging at the parapet on his Facebook page.

Police said they had “responded to a call for assistance” on 14 July at about 9:10am concerning a foreign flag displayed outside a unit. A police spokesperson had said that “On the advice of our officers, the occupant of the unit removed the flag”, and added that the police are looking into the matter.

Gulam had shared a photo of the police visit on Facebook, showing police officers outside his flat. He described it as “sad that police can come over to stop someone who's trying to raise awareness on mass killings happening in Gaza”. He added, "Trying to stop something that is the responsibility of all mankind to do.”

Today also reported that the police had asked Gulam about his racial background and his family’s race and religion.

The police reportedly looked at Gulam’s passport and enquired about the many Middle Eastern countries he had visited. Gulam was said to have travelled to Israel seven months ago for work.

This incident occurred on the same day that Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, Masagos Zulkifli, advised the public not to engage in “irrational action”, to the extent of travelling and participating in the cause.

Masagos shared that the Muslim community is saddened over the destruction and loss of lives in Gaza, and urged the parties involved to resolve the conflict. He also encouraged the public to provide financial aid and support through organisations such as the Red Cross.

Since the latest round of heavy fighting in Gaza started last week, many Singaporeans have taken to social media to express sympathy and concerns about the killing of civilians in Gaza. They share news and political commentaries about the latest attacks, and some have also changed their Facebook cover photos in support of Palestine. Gulam has also shared similar updates on his Facebook page.

The National Emblems (Control of Display) Act bans public displays of national emblems, including flags of any state or country other than Singapore. The Act includes an exception for diplomatic or consular representatives. A person convicted of an offence under the Act may be fined up to $500 or face a jail term of up to 6 months or both.