Kenya Says it Supports Proposal on Ending the Israel-Hamas War

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Kenya Monday said it supports a mediated proposal announced to end the Israel-Hamas war.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi in a statement said Kenya has noted the joint statement released by Egypt, Qatar and the US on the war between Israel and Hamas.

He said the statement echoes the principles outlined on May 31, 2024, by US President Joe Biden and was in line with efforts by key stakeholders who are involved in a protracted mediation process for a ceasefire.

“Kenya views the proposals contained in this statement as representing a critical way out of this complicated and intransigent conflict,” he said.

In the first phase of the proposal is that there would be a 6-week ceasefire; withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza; release of a number of hostages and remains of Israel nationals in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners; the return of Palestinians to North Gaza; the entry of 600 trucks per day of aid; and the start of restoration of essential services.

In the second phase, there would be a permanent cessation of hostilities together with the return of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The proposal says parties would continue to engage in negotiations to finalise the arrangements for this second phase.

The third phase would see the return of any remains of Israeli nationals still in Gaza and the start of an internationally-backed multi-year reconstruction programme.

Mudavadi said Kenya believes the proposal should only be the initial step in creating the conditions for self-determination for the Palestinian people and advancing a long-term two-state solution.

He noted that in the short term, implementation of the proposal would bring immediate relief to the Palestinians who are currently facing a humanitarian catastrophe, hunger and widespread death.

“Kenya re-affirms and reiterates its position that the only and most realistic solution to this conflict is for both sides to acknowledge each other and embrace a two-state solution,” he said.

Mudavadi urged the two sides to accept the proposal in the interests of not only providing immediate relief but also creating the necessary conditions for long-term peace.

Additional reporting by agencies.