The BRICS alliance, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, passionately advocates for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire in the Middle East. During an Extraordinary Joint Meeting, BRICS leaders, including those from Brazil, Russia, India, and China, convened virtually with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates to address the escalating situation in Gaza and the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
Expressing deep concern about the heightened violence since the October 7, 2023 attack, the leaders emphasized the urgent need for a humanitarian truce to protect civilians and provide essential aid. The joint statement condemned acts of violence against both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, calling for adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The leaders underscored the importance of accountability, demanding independent and transparent investigations according to international standards. They condemned forced transfers and deportations of Palestinians as grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and war crimes.
Advocating for peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter. They welcomed the UNSC resolution 2712 and urged its full implementation. Acknowledging the role of international and regional organizations, including the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the leaders emphasized the importance of preventing further destabilization and violence escalation.
In addition, the leaders welcomed updates from Saudi Arabia on the Joint Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit and praised efforts by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in hosting the Cairo Peace Summit. They called for maximum restraint, urging all parties to work toward a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful means.
The Chair urged the international community to support direct negotiations based on international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, with the goal of establishing a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine.
