The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has reiterated that Rwanda’s diplomatic relations with Israel remain unchanged despite Kigali’s condemnation of Israeli airstrikes in Doha, Qatar and a call for the respect of international law. ALSO READ: Kagame meets Qatari leader, expresses solidarity after Israeli strike in Doha On September 9, Israel Defence Forces launched airstrikes in Doha, targeting senior Hamas negotiators. The Rwandan government condemned the strikes, which killed Qatari nationals, describing them as a “dangerous violation of international norms and a threat to global stability.” At an urgent debate at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, on September 16, Rwanda also called for accountability for the Israeli strikes on Doha, saying violations of international law should not go unanswered. “Rwanda’s position is one of deep concern regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza. We firmly hope for the restoration of peace in the region through an immediate ceasefire and inclusive political dialogue,” Nduhungirehe told members of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO) on September 18, when he briefed them on the country's diplomatic outlook. “We have denounced the strikes carried out by Israel in Qatar, as we are convinced that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without a two-state solution, where Israel is assured of security from terrorist threats, and Palestine is able to exist as a viable and peaceful state.” ALSO READ: Rwanda sends largest humanitarian aid shipment yet to Gaza Nduhungirehe further emphasized that Kigali has directly communicated its position to Israel while also extending humanitarian assistance to Gaza. “We sent humanitarian aid to Gaza three times, with medical supplies, food, and other essential support, and our position has not changed in any way,” the Minister said. “Rwanda’s stance is solely anchored in the call for respect of international law. The rules-based international order was undermined by Israel’s strikes on Qatar, and it is not right for any nation to act as it pleases without regard to global norms.” He also reaffirmed Rwanda’s support for Qatar’s mediation efforts aimed at fostering dialogue between Israel and Palestine, stressing that diplomacy and negotiation remain the only path to lasting peace.
