Ruto Reaffirms Kenya’s Support for Two-State Solution in Israel-Palestine Conflict

President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s unwavering support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for renewed global efforts to achieve peace as violence continues to devastate the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President Ruto underscored Kenya’s long-standing position that peace in the Middle East can only be realized through the establishment of two sovereign states. “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 and peaceful coexistence. Kenya has recognized the Statehood of Palestine since 1989,” said Ruto.

Kenya’s position reflects the broader African perspective on the matter. In 1988, Palestine’s statehood was proclaimed by Yasser Arafat in Algeria, marking the first African recognition of Palestine. Since then, 52 of Africa’s 54 nations, except Cameroon and Eritrea, have formally recognized Palestine as an independent state. The African Union (AU) has also repeatedly reaffirmed its call for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, insisting that justice and stability cannot be achieved without fair representation for both sides.

Globally, momentum for Palestinian recognition continues to grow. France recently joined the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and several other European nations in officially recognizing Palestinian statehood. As of April 2025, 147 of the 193 UN member states had formally recognized Palestine, reflecting the widespread international consensus that a two-state framework remains essential.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also warned against abandoning the two-state vision, framing it as the only viable path toward lasting peace after decades of failed negotiations and recurring violence. “We must recommit ourselves to the two-state solution before it is too late,” Guterres said. “Let’s be clear: statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward.”

Ruto’s remarks further strengthen Kenya’s global voice on peace and security, positioning the country alongside international actors seeking de-escalation and meaningful dialogue. His call comes at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, and tensions across the wider Middle East remain dangerously high.