President William Ruto has condemned the surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas from the Gaza strip.
In a statement of Saturday, October 7, 2023, Ruto termed that attack as an act to terrorism and a threat to international peace.
“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. The people of Kenya and their government hereby express deepest sympathy and send condolences to the families of all victims. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Ruto stated.
“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.”
Ruto called on the international community to mobilise and bring the attackers to the book and de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has now turned into a full-blown war.
“In consideration of the complex and delicate context of the security situation in Israel-Palestine, Kenya also makes a call for the de-escalation of violence and urges all parties to restrain from further military action, given its potential to intensify carnage and the suffering of innocent civilians, and to trigger heightened tension in the region and beyond,” he added.
“We are profoundly disturbed that civilians continue to be intentionally targeted in this conflict, as a consequence of which the number of casualties continues to rise. We therefore call on all parties to respect the rights of civilians and honour their obligations under international law.”
Al Jazeera reports that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold emergency closed consultations over the escalating violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The meeting was first called by current UNSC member Malta, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Brazil later adding their support. The 15 current members of the UNSC will attend the consultations at UN headquarters in New York at 3:00 pm on Sunday (19:00 GMT).
It is expected, though not yet officially confirmed, that the council will be briefed by the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland.
Israel’s Prime Minister promises war
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was embarking on a long and difficult war against Hamas.
“We will be victorious in this war despite an unbearable price. This is a very difficult day for all of us. Hamas wants to murder us all. This is an enemy that murders children and mothers in their homes, in their beds, an enemy that abducts the elderly, children and young women, that slaughters and massacres our citizens, including children, who simply went out to enjoy the holiday,” Netanyahu said.
“This war will take time. It will be difficult. Challenging days are ahead of us. However, I can promise one thing: With the help of God, the forces that we all have in common and our faith in the Eternal One of Israel, we will win.”
Already, Israel’s Security Council has decided to halt the supply of electricity, fuel and goods into Gaza.
