Kenya condems Israel attacks on Gaza, calls for immediate ceasefire

Kenya has voted in favour of an "immediate humanitarian truce" in Gaza at the United Nations General Assembly and condemned the attacks by Israel that led to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.

Kenya, along with over 120 nations, voted in favour of a UN resolution calling for an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Dr Martin Kimani on Friday said it relates to the anger and pain felt by the Palestinians as Kenya has also experienced the aftermath of terrorism and colonial rule.

"We relate to the raw feelings of anger and pain being felt by the people of Palestine for the lack of progress in negotiations to achieve the two-state solution. We also pay heed to the immense suffering of innocent Palestinian civilians," Kimani said during the 39th Plenary Meeting of the Tenth Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly on the Situation in the Middle East.

"The lives of Palestinian people are as precious as those of all other people. Thousands of Palestinian civilians - including hundreds of children - have been killed by Israel's air barrage against Hamas."

Condolences

Kimani offered Kenya's deepest condolences to the affected families in Gaza and the West Bank and thanked the UN, Egypt and Jordan for the opening of the Rafah border though he insisted the move was still inadequate.

The UN General Assembly votes for an "immediate humanitarian truce" in Gaza, as the Israel-Hamas conflict raged for a 21st day at the UN in New York on October 27, 2023. (Photo by Andrea RENAULT / AFP)

"It is imperative that Israel and neighbouring states unite to guarantee unhindered humanitarian aid and delivery of vital services at the scale needed," Kimani said.

“Alongside other civilians, these women face significant hardships due to ongoing military operations. They are often deprived of safe birthing services, vital supplies, and essentials like protection from airstrikes, food, and water."

The ambassador called for the Israeli military to take every precaution to protect civilians and critical civilian infrastructure from its military strikes.

"We strongly urge Israel to adhere to International Humanitarian Law and the laws of war today so that it can maintain the legitimate opportunity to negotiate peace tomorrow," Kimani said.

He said the war between Israel and Hamas disrupts a status quo that was unacceptable to Kenya which understands the Palestinian yearning for independence and sovereignty.