Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu has expressed her concerns over undocumented Kenyans in Israel, amid the ongoing conflict.
In a media interview, Njogu further confirmed that no Kenyans have been reported injured in the ongoing Israeli – Palestine war.
Moreover, the PS stated that that plans are under way to rescue any Kenyan trapped in the Middle East following the Gaza Strip conflict.
She further assured that no Kenyan residents or workers in Israel have suffered harm amid the ongoing war in Gaza between Israeli forces and the Hamas militant group.
“I am glad to report that there are no casualties among our people. All our people are accounted for,” Njogu told Nation.Africa on Tuesday.
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At the same time, Njogu explained that evacuation plans were in place, noting that the process will involve collaboration with other government agencies.
The PS further noted a seamless collaboration with the Kenyan Embassy in Tel Aviv.
“The government of Kenya continues to monitor the situation. We are in touch with our diaspora in that space and are maintaining contact through our Embassy (in Tel Aviv) on the ground. Plans are in place to evacuate as needed,” said the PS.
Likewise, she cleared the air noting that so far, the Kenyan government can account for all its citizens.
“All our people are accounted for,” said PS Njogu.
Kenyans in Israel
At least five hundred Kenyans are legally registered to be living and working in Israel,” said Njogu. However, the PS expressed her fears that there could be a possibility of more unregistered Kenyans in the region.
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Notably, according to the Israeli embassy in Nairobi, the majority of Kenyans in Israel consist of students, individuals on religious pilgrimages, or those undertaking short scientific trip.
The Israel war broke out on the dawn of Saturday when militants from Gaza fired thousands of rockets towards Israeli towns.
According to reports by Israel media, Hamas gunmen killed hundreds of people, including civilians and soldiers, and took hostages with them.
Israelis inspect the rubble of a building a day after it was hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday. PHOTO/CNN.
Israel’s Response
On Monday October 9, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had retaken control of all Israeli communities in Gaza’s vicinity on its southern border after fighting with Hamas ended.
In response, Israel has declared war and launched “Operation Swords of Iron,” striking suspected Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his remarks noting that they did not chose to be at war.
“We did not want this war; it was forced upon us,” said Netanyahu further adding that “Although we did not start it Israel will finish it.”
Kenya’s position
Similarly, President William Ruto condemned the violent assault on innocent civilians calling for peace.
“We are deeply disturbed by the intentional targeting of civilians in this conflict, resulting in a growing number of casualties. Consequently, we call upon all parties to respect the rights of civilians and adhere to their international law obligations,” Ruto stated.
On the other part, the Kenyan Embassy in Tel Aviv provided emergency contacts, instructing individuals seeking evacuation to email responders at [email protected] or call +254114757002, +972549060910, and +972547075958.
Israeli soldiers scan an area as rockets from Gaza are launched towards Israel, near Sderot in southern Israel on Monday. PHOTO/CNN.
