close
close

BRICS summit condemns Israel's 'mass killing' in Gaza, West Bank – calls for urgent ceasefire

BRICS 2024. (Photo: via the TW page of the Presidency of South Africa)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff

“We reiterate our grave concern about the deterioration of the situation and the humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as a result of the Israeli military offensive that led to mass killings…”

The BRICS economic group has adopted a joint statement expressing deep concern over the Israeli military attack in Gaza and the West Bank, which “has led to mass killings”, and calling for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.

“We emphasize the urgent need for an immediate comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all illegally held hostages and detainees from both sides, and the unhindered, sustained and large-scale flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip, as well as an end to all aggressive actions ” said the statement from Kazan, named after the Russian city where the group's three-day summit was held, Anadolu news agency reported on Wednesday.

The BRICS countries reiterated their “grave concern” about the deteriorating situation and humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories due to the Israeli military operation.

“We reiterate our deep concern about the deteriorating situation and humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories, in particular the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as a result of the Israeli military offensive, which resulted in mass killings and injuries to civilians, Forced displacement and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.”

“We are concerned about the situation in southern Lebanon. “We condemn the loss of civilian lives and the immense damage to civilian infrastructure caused by Israeli attacks on residential areas in Lebanon and call for an immediate cessation of military actions,” the statement continued.

It also condemned Israeli attacks on “humanitarian operations, infrastructure, personnel and distribution points.”

Security Council resolutions

The statement released by the Kremlin called for the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and welcomed efforts by Egypt and Qatar, as well as other regional and international efforts, to achieve an immediate ceasefire and accelerate humanitarian assistance.

“We also express our concern that further escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip could lead to increased tensions, extremism and extremely damaging consequences at the regional and global levels,” the statement said, further calling on all parties concerned to take utmost action To exercise restraint and avoid this. escalating actions and provocative statements.”

The statement further mentioned the interim measures taken by the International Court of Justice in the proceedings initiated by South Africa against Israel.

Palestine's UN membership

It added that BRICS reiterated its support for the admission of Palestine as a full UN member “in the context of our unwavering commitment to the two-state solution based on international law.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping had previously called for de-escalation between Russia and Ukraine as the war between the countries has been going on for almost three years.

At a closed meeting of the heads of state and government of the BRICS member states in the Russian city of Kazan, the Chinese president also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon in view of Israel's air strikes.

“We must push for a ceasefire as soon as possible to stop the killing,” he said, “and work tirelessly for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.”

International Court of Justice case

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire “The ongoing conflict in Gaza, in the Middle East, which is leading to the deaths of so many Palestinians, is a matter of great concern.”

“We must continue to insist that there must be a ceasefire with immediate effect and that the self-determination of the Palestinians is also recognized,” emphasized Ramaphosa.

He also said that the International Court of Justice “has made clear that the international community has a duty to prevent genocide by Israel.”

“The countries of the world have a responsibility not to finance or facilitate Israel’s genocidal actions,” Ramaphosa added.

Iran's membership

Russian President Vladimir Putin also announced that “Iran has become a full member of the BRICS.”

“This means we now have additional opportunities to work together on the international stage.”

The BRICS summit includes long-standing members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – the source of the group's name – as well as recent additions Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

Almost 43,000 dead

Israel ignored a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and faced international condemnation for its ongoing brutal offensive against Gaza.

Israel is currently before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians and has been waging a devastating war against Gaza since October 7th.

Israel attacks UNRWA vehicle in central Gaza Strip – two aid workers killed

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 42,792 Palestinians have been killed and 100,412 injured so far.

In addition, at least 11,000 people are missing, believed to be lying dead under the rubble of their homes across the Gaza Strip.

Israel says 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa flood operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports that many Israelis were killed by friendly fire that day.

Famine and displacement

Palestinian and international organizations say the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

The Israeli war has led to acute famine, especially in the northern Gaza Strip, which has resulted in the deaths of many Palestinians, especially children.

Israeli aggression has also led to the forcible displacement of nearly two million people across the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of those displaced forced into the densely populated southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – now Palestine's largest mass exodus since the Nakba 1948.

(Anadolu, PC)

You may also like...