By Wilfridah Murenga
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, has amplified Kenya’s support for a mediated proposal announced to end the Israel-Hamas war.
This comes in the wake of a joint statement released by Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the United States regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya views the proposals contained in the statement as a critical pathway out of the complicated and intransigent conflict. He also noted that it aligns with the principles outlined by US President Joe Biden on May 31.
The Proposal is based on the following roadmap:
- That in the first phase of the proposal there would be a 5-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 the restoration of essential services.
- That 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 parties would continue to engage in negotiations to finalize the arrangements for this second phase.
- That the third phase would see the return of any remains of Israel nationals still In Gaza and the start of an internationally-backed multi-year reconstruction program.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary stressed that the implementation of this proposal is crucial not only for providing immediate relief to the Palestinians but also for creating the necessary conditions for long-term peace.
He further highlighted that the implementation of the proposal will enable Israeli families to reunite with their kin who are currently held by Hamas as hostages and prisoners of war.
He emphasized Kenya’s belief that this proposal should be the initial step in creating the conditions for self-determination for the Palestinian people and advancing a long-term two-state solution.
“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.
Dr. Mudavadi’s statements reflect Kenya’s commitment to advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict and its unwavering support for initiatives aimed at promoting stability and prosperity in the region.