Kenyan President William Ruto has reiterated his country’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for peace and de-escalation in the Middle East. Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Ruto underscored Kenya’s long-standing recognition of Palestinian statehood since 1989 and called for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
“We support the pursuit of lasting stability in the Middle East through a two-state solution, where Israel and Palestine live side by side in mutual respect,” Ruto said.
His remarks come amid ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, which has persisted since October 2023, claiming numerous lives and displacing thousands.
Kenya’s stance aligns with 52 of Africa’s 54 nations, which recognize Palestine as an independent state, according to the World Population Review. Only Cameroon and Eritrea have not formally recognized Palestinian statehood.
The African Union has consistently advocated for an independent Palestinian state, a position first galvanized in 1988 when Yasser Arafat proclaimed Palestine’s statehood in Algeria.
Globally, support for Palestinian statehood is growing. As of April 2025, 147 of the 193 UN member states, including France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, have recognized Palestine.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed Ruto’s call, stating, “We must recommit ourselves to the two-state solution before it is too late. Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward.”
Analysts suggest that African nations’ near-unified stance could amplify their influence in global peace negotiations. However, challenges remain, including stalled talks and escalating tensions in the region.
As the UNGA continues, attention will focus on whether renewed diplomatic efforts can translate into concrete steps toward peace, with the two-state solution remaining a focal point for international leaders.
