President William Ruto has softened his stance regarding the Israel-Palestine war, which has claimed over 27,000 lives.
Through a phone call on Thursday, February 1, Ruto engaged Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the war in the Gaza Strip where he raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis.
“I have expressed Kenya's concerns over the deteriorating situation in Gaza where the loss of lives has reached unacceptable levels,” Ruto noted.
He further highlighted the need for the two states to resolve the issues resulting from the war and advocated for peace for the sake of the thousands of families affected.
“I underscored Kenya’s belief in a two-state solution that would allow a peaceful side-by-side existence of the states of Israel and Palestine,” he noted.
The President also hoped that the war, which has attracted global attention prompting South Africa to file a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), would end.
“I am hopeful of an immediate end to the conflict in Gaza,” Ruto added.
Kenya's President had on October 8, supported Israel, terming Palestine as terrorists. He further called for the offenders to be brought to book, as they posed a threat to international peace and security.
“Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemns terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country,” he stated.
The Israel and Palestine war which started on October 7 has so far claimed over 27,000 lives, leaving 66,139 wounded.
Israel blamed Hamas - a Palestinian militant group, for orchestrating the war after the latter killed revellers at the Supernova desert music festival.
“The people of Kenya and their government hereby express deepest sympathy and send condolences to the families of all victims,” Ruto condoled with the affected in October.
