Kenyan security forces. Photo: Screenshot.

Israeli President Shimon Peres offered condolences Sunday to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta after Somali Islamist terrorists stormed the partially Israeli-owned Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi on Saturday, killing dozens of people and injuring hundreds, including foreigners  and members of Kenyatta’s family. They took hostages to extend the crisis. Israel forces were reported to be helping the Kenyan Army end the standoff.

In a letter sent to Kenyatta, Peres wrote: “I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the people of Kenya on the horrific terror attack in Nairobi. From the Holy Land we pray for the release of the hostages, the full recovery of the injured and comfort for the families of the victims.”

“Terrorism is a global threat and those who perpetrate it make no distinction between young and old, men and women. There is no justification for the murder of innocent civilians and Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with the Kenyan government and people at this difficult time. We in Israel know the pain of terror and will do whatever we can to support the people of Kenya.”

“What we know until now is that 59 innocent people, children, mothers have already lost their lives in this unfinished act of terror. Two hundred more are wounded in the hospitals,” Peres wrote. “First of all our hearts are with the families, we pray in Jerusalem for their memory, we pray for the recovery of the wounded and we pray for Kenya to be freed from this terrible inhumane event.”

“We must also look at the wider picture; terrorists are killing not only innocent people but innocent countries. They are destroying country after country. They don’t care what the damage is and it is an international issue. It’s a phenomena that now we see one of its peak but not its end. If all nations don’t make an effort, of an immediate nature and take overall measures we will continue to face danger to innocent people and countries. We pray from Jerusalem for the memory of the dead and for the health of the injured. May God Bless Kenya.”