Global leaders unite in urgent plea for ceasefire in Gaza
In a groundbreaking virtual summit, President Cyril Ramaphosa spearheaded a call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza as the BRICS leaders convened to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The urgent meeting drew leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, along with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Leaders Express Deep Concern
President Ramaphosa, acting as the chair of the bloc, emphasized the need for urgent action in the Middle East.
He expressed “deep concern at the dire humanitarian situation in those occupied territories” and stressed the importance of respecting humanitarian law and ensuring immediate and safe access to aid.
Warning from Chinese President
Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a warning, asserting that without a just settlement of the Palestinian question, lasting peace and stability in the Middle East would remain elusive.
The BRICS leaders collectively voiced their distress over the situation in Gaza, particularly as Israel intensified its military operations in the region.
Call for International Cooperation
Ramaphosa highlighted the devastating impact on civilians in Gaza and urged the international community to agree on concrete actions to end the suffering and establish a path towards a just and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Russian President Putin’s Perspective
Russian President Vladimir Putin advocated for a political solution and suggested that the BRICS countries could play a role in achieving a long-term and sustainable settlement.
He noted the significance of BRICS countries having similar positions on the Palestinian-Israeli problem during recent UN resolutions.
Iranian President Stresses Urgency
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized the importance of discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging the leaders to address the urgent need for aid in the region. Raisi called for continuous meetings until a comprehensive resolution to the Middle East situation is achieved.
Ongoing Commitment
The BRICS virtual summit underscored the critical need for immediate international action to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and establish a framework for a just and lasting resolution.
The leaders expressed solidarity in their commitment to addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis in the region.