Ruto acknowledges Palestinian statehood, commits to support peace talks

At the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, President Ruto stated that Kenya maintains its call for peace within the region and across the globe and called for the de-escalation of violence in the Middle East.

"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 recognised the Statehood of Palestine since 1989," said Ruto in a statement.

Most African states have long recognized Palestine as an independent State.

In 1988, Mohammed Abdel Rahman Abdel Raouf Arafat al-Qudwa al-Husseini, popularly known as Yasser Arafat, proclaimed Palestine as a State in Algeria, making it the first African nation to recognize Palestinian statehood.

According to the World Population Review, 52 out of 54 African States recognize Palestine as a State apart from Cameroon and Eritrea.

African Union has also called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian State

Globally, France has joined the growing list of nations that have recognized Palestine's statehood, joining United Kindgom, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco among others.

The additional countries recognizing Palestine now join some 147 of the 193 UN member states that had already formally recognised Palestinian statehood as of April this year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also reiterated his support for the two-state solution, framing it as the only viable path towards peace after years of failed negotiations and ongoing violence.

"We must recommit ourselves to the two-state solution before it is too late," he said. "Let's be clear: Statehood for the Palestinians is a right, not a reward."