Kenya has supported the suggestion given by the United States (US), Qatar, and Egypt in ending the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said Kenya backs the initiative taken by the three countries to ensure the war comes to an end.
“We associate ourselves fully with this important initiative that seeks to halt the Israel-Hamas conflict that has led to wanton killings and destruction in Gaza and elsewhere in Palestine and triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. We urge the parties to make whatever compromise necessary to secure a permanent ceasefire,” Sing’Oei said.
The PS declared Kenya’s support after the three nations released a joint statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Call on Israel & Hamas
Qatar, Egypt, and the US are the mediators in the ongoing discussions to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees.
The mediators called on both Hamas and Israel to finalize the agreement embodying the principles outlined by US President Joe Biden on May 31, 2024.
“These principles brought the demands of all parties together in a deal that serves multiple interests and will bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families. This deal offers a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and ending the crisis,” read the joint statement.
Biden’s 3 Phase Plan
President Biden had announced on May 31 that Israel proposed a three-part plan aimed at a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and release of all hostages who have been held there for the last eight months.
He said the plan was a result of an intensive diplomacy by the US and was sent to Qatar, one of the mediators in negotiations.
Biden explained that the plan’s first phase would start with six weeks of a full and complete cease-fire.
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He added that this will include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of women and children being held hostage.
During this period, Biden said the two parties will negotiate a permanent cease-fire despite a possibility of setbacks.
Additionally, there will be surge in humanitarian aid and Palestinian civilians can return to their homes in Gaza.
“I’ll be honest with you, there are a number of things to be negotiated to move from phase one to phase two,” Biden noted.
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Phase 2 & 3
However, Biden stated that phase two will not begin until all agreements laid out in phase one are reached.
That second stage would involve the release of all living hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
There will be a permanent end to hostilities, exchange for the release of remaining living hostages and Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
According to Biden, the last step will involve initiating a significant reconstruction plan in Gaza and returning the remains of deceased hostages to their families.
“I’ve urged the leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, regardless of whatever (political) pressure comes,” Biden said.
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