Kenya has taken a distinct stance in contrast to the positions of the United States and Israel during a recent United Nations General Assembly vote on the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the USA and Israel voted against the resolution, Kenya joined other nations in passing a resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants.
The resolution, introduced by Jordan and drafted by a coalition of 22 Arab countries, aimed to establish an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce between the two warring parties. A total of 120 countries supported the resolution, while 45 countries, including Canada, abstained from voting.
Kenya's decision to support the resolution was motivated by the desire to address the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza. In their statement at the UN National Assembly, Kenya emphasized the importance of recognizing the shared humanity of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians and called on all member states to intensify efforts to suppress the financing of terrorist groups.
Ambassador Martin Mbugua Kimani, Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, represented the country in the Assembly's plenary meeting and cast a vote in favor of the resolution. He pointed out that Kenya's vote in favor was influenced by Jordan's adjustment of the text to include language on terrorism, addressing victims from both sides and the two-state solution.
Canada attempted to introduce an amendment condemning the Hamas attack, which failed to receive the necessary two-thirds majority. The amendment sought to compel Hamas to release civilian hostages taken during their attack on Israel. Kenya was among the minority of countries that supported Canada in the failed amendment.
In addition to supporting the resolution, Kenya also backed Canada's amendment condemning "terrorist attacks by Hamas that began on 7 October 2023 in Israel and the taking of hostages." The amendment called for the safe and humane treatment of the hostages and their immediate and unconditional release.
On October 8, President William Ruto of Kenya strongly denounced terrorism, emphasizing that there is no justification for it and that it poses a serious threat to international peace and security. He emphasized that all acts of terrorism and violent extremism are abhorrent, criminal, and unjustifiable, regardless of the perpetrator or their motivations.
The UN General Assembly's decision on the Israel-Hamas conflict marked a significant international response to the ongoing crisis. The United States has been reported to support Israel in its efforts against Hamas, providing air defense systems and ammunition to Israeli soldiers.