Religious organizations call for ceasefire, peace in Israeli - Palestinian war

From left Bishop Joshua Mulinge, Bishop Jessi Ireri, Bishop Dr Geoffroy Njuguna, Apostle Othiniel Mwabili and Margate Aduol, address the press on 11th October 2023 at Biblica, along Dennis Pritt Road in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

Christian religious organizations in Kenya have expressed concern about the ongoing war between Israel and Palestine.

The organizations advocated for a peaceful coexistence between the two warring sides and called for a truce to de-escalate the violence.

On Saturday, Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.

At least 900 Israelis are reported to have been killed, while dozens of soldiers and civilians, including women and children, are being held in Gaza as hostages.

More than 700 Palestinians have also been killed in the hundreds of air strikes on Gaza that Israel's military is carrying out in response.

The organizations include The Kenya Church, Kenya Coalition of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Kenya Friends of Israel, and Africa Israel Initiative.

"We are deeply saddened by the fact that the prevailing situation continues to result in murder and the unfathomable pain and suffering experienced by the Israeli civilians, especially by women and children and massive destruction of properties," reads part of the statement.

While expressing solidarity with the state and people of Israel, they noted that Kenya and Israel have a longstanding relationship.

"Through bilateral agreements with Israel, Kenya has steered development within its agricultural, trade and security sectors," they said.

Further, they urged the international community to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through dialogue and peaceful means and to stop funding or arming terrorism.

At the same time, this was echoed by the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Churches Chairperson, Bishop Samuel Njiriri.

"At this moment, as we express solidarity with the people of Israel, we pray for peace to prevail in the region," he said.