Ruto urges Gaza ceasefire, hostage release and UN support for Haiti peace mission

Kenya has called for the unconditional release of hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasising that humanitarian law must be applied consistently and that civilians must be protected from disproportionate military operations.

Speaking at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, President William Ruto stressed that the suffering of innocent people cannot be ignored, urging all parties to pursue a credible political process to achieve lasting peace.

“Ladies and gentlemen, on human rights, our principle is clear and unwavering: the protection of civilians and respect for humanitarian law cannot be applied selectively. We cannot condemn suffering in one place and turn a blind eye in another,” Ruto said.

“Kenya is gravely concerned by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and by the immense suffering of civilians caught in the devastation of disproportionate military operations.”

Unconditional hostage release

He called for the unconditional release of Israeli hostages and, in line with African Union and United Nations resolutions, urged a permanent ceasefire, strict adherence to international humanitarian law, and the launch of a credible political process.

“Only through such a process can the vision of a two-state solution be realised, where Israel and Palestine live side by side, in peace and in security,” he added.

Ruto also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, where civilians are caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict.

Kenya endorsed the Quad—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States—in stating that there is no military solution and that only political dialogue can provide a viable path forward.

Respect Sudan’s sovereignty

Ruto urged all parties, including SAF, RSF, and external actors, to respect Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

“We firmly reject any attempts to divide the country, reaffirming our unwavering support for a unified Sudan for the benefit of its people,” Ruto said.

Highlighting Kenya’s commitment to multilateralism, Ruto recounted the country’s leadership in peacekeeping missions across Africa and beyond, including Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Haiti.

He detailed Kenya’s 15-month role leading the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, deployed to address rampant gang violence in Port-au-Prince.

“For far too long, the people of Haiti called out to the world. Too often, their pleas were met with silence, hesitation, or half-measures. Despite operating underfunded, under-equipped, and below 40 per cent of its authorised personnel strength, the MSS mission has achieved tangible results,” he said.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• Middle-East
• Gaza
• UN General Assembly
• gaza ceasefire
• haiti peace mission
• Gaza hostage release
• Ruto urges Gaza ceasefire
• hostage release and UN support for Haiti peace mission

Seat of government

He noted that the Presidential Palace, once under siege from gangs, is today restored as the seat of government.

“The police headquarters and training academy, previously overrun, are now secure, with over 700 new officers recently graduated. Schools have reopened, traffic flows freely, and cases of kidnapping and extortion have reduced sharply,” Ruto said.

He stressed that these achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished with adequate resources and personnel.

“With the right support, Haiti’s security can be fully restored, gangs neutralised, and the safety of streets, schools, hospitals, and homes secured. Continued harassment, abductions, and criminal acts undermining the lives of Haitians are unacceptable and must be stopped,” he said.

Ruto urged the UN Security Council and international partners to ensure a careful transition from the MSS mission and maintain coordinated attention to Haiti’s path toward peace, stability, and renewal.