The head of the African Union Commission has appealed for an end to the conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
In a statement on Saturday, Moussa Faki Mahamat called on both parties "to return, without preconditions, to the negotiating table to implement the principle of two States living side by side"
"The chairperson wishes to recall that denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State, is the main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension," the statement said." he said.
Faki also called on the international community, and the major world powers in particular, to assume their responsibilities to impose peace and guarantee the rights of the two peoples
On Saturday, Palestinian militant groups from the Gaza Strip launched a large-scale armed offensive against Israel, breaking through the Gaza–Israel barrier and forcing entry into Gaza border crossings, nearby Israeli cities, adjacent military installations, and civilian settlements.
The attack has left at least 250 people dead.
Previous conflicts between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers brought widespread death and destruction in Gaza and days of rocket fire on Israeli towns.
The situation is potentially more volatile now, with Israel’s far-right government stung by the security breach and with Palestinians in despair over a never-ending occupation in the West Bank and suffocating blockade of Gaza.
Speaking on behalf of Kenya, President William Ruto has called on all parties to respect the rights of civilians and honour their obligations under international law.
He also urged both parties to cease from violence.
"In consideration of the complex and delicate context of the security situation in Israel-Palestine, Kenya also makes a call for the de-escalation of violence and urges all parties to restrain from further military action, given its potential to intensify carnage and the suffering of innocent civilians, and to trigger heightened tension in the region and beyond," Ruto added
