BRICS Nations Unite in Concern Over Rising Gaza Strip Violence

The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, have voiced their deep concerns regarding the surge of violence in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli military actions. This stance was articulated during a meeting held in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod, emphasizing the collective's steadfast support for a two-state resolution to the Palestine conflict, grounded in international law. India was represented by Dammu Ravi, Secretary Economic Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs.

The foreign ministers highlighted the severe deterioration of conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, notably pointing out the massive civilian displacement, deaths, and injuries resulting from the Israeli military's operations in Gaza. A joint statement released after the meeting underscored the urgent need for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilians across Gaza. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of implementing UN Security Council resolution 2728 to achieve an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire.

The ministers also demanded the prompt and unconditional release of all hostages and civilians unlawfully detained. They expressed particular concern over escalating Israeli attacks in Rafah, which exacerbate the humanitarian crisis given the high concentration of Palestinian civilians in that area. An Israeli airstrike last month on a camp for displaced individuals in Rafah killed 45 people, sparking widespread international condemnation.

In their statement, the BRICS ministers reiterated their opposition to any efforts aimed at forcibly displacing or expelling Palestinians from their lands. They also warned against the potential broader regional implications of escalating tensions in the Middle East. The group acknowledged the provisional measures taken by the International Court of Justice concerning legal proceedings initiated by South Africa against Israel.

The statement further criticized Israel's ongoing disregard for international law, including UN charters and resolutions. Israel's continued military offensive in Gaza comes as a retaliation to an unprecedented attack on Israeli cities by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and over 220 kidnappings. According to Hamas-run authorities in Gaza, over 35,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to the Israeli offensive.

India has consistently advocated for de-escalation and urged for conditions conducive to resuming direct peace talks aimed at achieving a two-state solution to resolve the Palestine issue.