In a historic Extraordinary Joint Meeting held on November 21, 2023, leaders of the BRICS nations and invited members convened virtually to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The group issued a powerful statement condemning Israel’s recent actions in Gaza, denouncing them as a “clear violation of international law.”
Expressing deep concern over the loss of life and extensive destruction caused by the ongoing violence in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his opening remarks, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and the prompt delivery of humanitarian assistance to those affected.
The BRICS leaders collectively identified the root cause of the conflict as the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel. They called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the establishment of humanitarian corridors for aid delivery, and restraint from all parties, including discontinuation of the supply of weapons to the involved parties.
Furthermore, the leaders agreed on several recommendations, including the release of all civilian hostages, the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led and owned by Palestinians and Israelis, facilitated by the United Nations, and the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians.
In a significant departure from their previous stance, the BRICS leaders underscored the importance of international solidarity and committed to working together to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. They called for the initiation of prosecutions by the International Criminal Court against those responsible for war crimes.
The statement marks a pivotal moment in BRICS’s engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, signifying a departure from their previous cautious approach. The BRICS leaders acknowledged their role in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict and pledged to continue their efforts to support peace and stability in the region.
The Extraordinary Joint Meeting concluded with a resounding call for urgent action to end the violence, emphasizing the BRICS leaders’ commitment to establishing a path towards a just and peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict.
