BRICS Affirms The Need For Ceasefire In Gaza

Impact of Israeli attacks on Gaza/Obviously UNOCHA/Themba Linden

JAKARTA - The BRICS economic group adopted a joint declaration confirming the need for a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel continued to attack the Palestinian enclave, killing at least 43,000 victims and injuring 100,000 others.

"We emphasize the need for a thorough and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees from both sides of the illegally detained, and the unobstructed, sustainable, and large-scale flow of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," read the Kazan Declaration released when the BRICS summit in Russia was reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, October 23.

The declaration also mentioned "deep concern" of BRICS countries over the deteriorating situation and crisis of humanity in occupied Palestinian territories as a result of Israeli military operations.

The declaration, published by the Kremlin, calls for the full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolution, and welcomes Egypt and Qatar's efforts, as well as other regional and international efforts, to reach an immediate ceasefire and accelerate the distribution of humanitarian aid.

"We also express our concern that the escalation of further conflict in the Gaza Strip risks increasing tensions, extremism, and very dangerous consequences at the regional and global levels," the declaration said.

Through the declaration, the BRICS countries called on all relevant parties to exercise restraint and avoid "escalation measures and provocative statements."

The declaration also contains records of the International Court's interim actions in a process initiated by South Africa against Israel. It was also added that BRICS reaffirmed its support for the acceptance of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations in the context of its commitment to a two-state solution based on international law.

The BRICS summit involved BRICS founders namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as well as new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Kazan on Wednesday to attend the summit as a guest.