JERUSALEM (AP) — Palestinians are criticizing the Kenyan president’s visit to the region, saying his stops in east Jerusalem and the West Bank are akin to accepting Israel’s occupation.
During his first official visit to Israel this week, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta met with Kenyan students in a West Bank settlement and visited the Western Wall, a Jewish holy site, in east Jerusalem. The Palestinians want the West Bank and east Jerusalem, captured by Israel in 1967, as part of their hoped-for state.
The Palestinians are also upset Kenyatta has not visited any Palestinian city.
Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said Thursday the Palestinians plan to complain to regional organizations, including the African Union, about the visit.
Israel and Kenya have strong security and agricultural ties.
Kenyatta’s spokesman could not immediately be reached.