Kenya was among the nations that passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants, contrasting the United States of America (USA) and Israel, which voted no.
The US and Israel were among the 14 countries that voted against the United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce between the two warring nations. Jordan fronted the resolution, which was drafted by a group of 22 Arab countries.
“Our favourable vote aimed to address the emergency humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza,” a statement by Kenya at the UN National Assembly read.
A total of 120 countries voted in favour of the resolution, while 45 others abstained, including Canada, which had introduced a report to the Assembly that sought to condemn Hamas for its October 7 attack on Israel.
“We listened closely to the representatives of Israel and Palestine. We were dismayed by their lack of empathy for each other's innocent civilian casualties. This entrenched partiality, this failure to recognize the shared humanity on both sides, is a fundamental obstacle to resolving this protracted conflict,” read part of Kenya’s statement to the UN.
“Mindful of multiple Security Council resolutions, Kenya calls on all Member States to intensify efforts to suppress financing of terrorist groups.”
Kenya’s take on the issue was read before the Assembly’s plenary meeting by Ambassador Martin Mbugua Kimani, the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who also cast a vote on behalf of the country.
“Kenya voted in favor as Jordan heeded our call & adjusted the text to include language on terrorism, addressed Israeli and Palestinian victims and the 2-state solution,” Kimani said after completion of the voting process.
Canada later introduced an amendment that sought to condemn the Hamas attack, but it failed as it did not receive the necessary two-thirds majority.
The North American country wanted Hamas to be compelled to release all civilian hostages in what it termed an act of terrorism. Kenya was among the minority who backed Canada in the failed amendment.
"Kenya also voted in favour of a Canada amendment that condemned the “terrorist attacks by Hamas that began on 7 October 2023 in Israel and the taking of hostages.” It demanded the safety, well-being, & humane treatment of the hostages & their immediate and unconditional release," Ambassador Kimani added.
On October 8, President William Ruto denounced the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, saying terrorism cannot be justified.
“Kenya strongly maintains that there exists no justification whatsoever for terrorism, which constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security. All acts of terrorism and violent extremism are abhorrent, criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the perpetrator, or their motivations,” read part of President Ruto’s statement.
The last time the UN General Assembly took up a major issue of war and peace was in February this year, when a similarly overwhelming majority of countries condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The United States has been reported to be in support of Israel in fighting Hamas, with the Superpower country providing air defence and ammunition to Israeli soldiers.
