Middle-East

BRICS countries condemn 'unprecedented' Israeli violence in Gaza

Palestinians flee Rafah due to an Israeli military operation, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 7, 2024. (Photo: Hatem Khaled/Reuters)

By Mwangi Maina | Wednesday, June 12, 2024

They urged the implementation of relevant UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions and the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2720, emphasising the need for unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

BRICS nations have collectively condemned Israel's actions against Palestinians in Gaza in a joint statement released on June 10, emphasising calls for a ceasefire and unimpeded aid delivery to the region.

"The ministers expressed grave concern at the deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip, resulting from the Israeli military operation, which has led to widespread civilian displacement, casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure," stated the BRICS ministers.

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They urged the implementation of relevant UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions and UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2720, emphasising the need for unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

The ministers further called for the effective enforcement of UNSC resolution 2728, which mandates an "immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire," along with the immediate and unconditional release of all captives.

Expressing deep concern about Israel's intensified attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the ministers condemned the Israeli military operation there and its adverse impact on civilians. They specifically highlighted the humanitarian crisis resulting from the suspension of the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side.

Acknowledging the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in legal proceedings initiated by South Africa against Israel, the ministers also voiced serious concern over Israel's persistent disregard for international law, the UN Charter, UN resolutions, and court orders.

They reiterated their rejection of attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land and cautioned against the escalating tensions in West Asia.

Further, the ministers reaffirmed their support for Palestine's full membership in the United Nations and reiterated their unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution.

BRICS ministers convened in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod to discuss global and regional trends and issues, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the bloc's strategic partnership across political, economic, and cultural dimensions of cooperation.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, agreed to convene a gathering between Russia and five other Arab nations to explore avenues for halting the conflict in Gaza.