Kazakhstan supports US initiative for cease-fire between Israel and Hamas

Kazakhstan fully supports the United States in its effort to stabilize the situation in the Middle East and hopes that bloodshed will stop soon, according to the country’s foreign ministry.

«We are hailing a peaceful initiative by the White House aimed at cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, the release of hostages, free flow of humanitarian aid and the restoration of the Gaza Strip with the help of the international community,» the ministry said in a statement.

The agency has also expressed hope that the initiative would stop the bloodshed, save civilians and create conditions for sustainable peace in the region.

Two days ago, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the conflict would be solved once there is a state of Palestine with a capital in Eastern Jerusalem.

Earlier this year, Norway, Ireland and Spain recognized Palestine as an independent state. According to Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre, his country has made this decision to promote peace in the Middle East.

In turn, Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu called the move a «reward for terrorism,» condemning Norway, Ireland and Spain for their decision to recognize the state of Palestine.

In the middle of May, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution expanding the rights of Palestine in the UN. Kazakhstan voted for the document along with 142 other countries.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas forces attacked Israel, invading the south of the country. Israel responded with massive bombardments of the Gaza Strip and an economic blockade. Kazakhstan has called for a peaceful settlement of the conflict between Israel and Palestine on many occasions. At the beginning of the current war, Kazakhstan set humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine and withdrew its citizens from the war zone.