BRICS Leaders Condemn Ongoing Violence in the Middle East

In an extraordinary joint meeting of BRICS leaders and invited members, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a compelling address on the grave situation in the Middle East. The focus was on the recent devastating events that unfolded after an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th, resulting in over 1,200 casualties.

President Ramaphosa expressed deep concern for the thousands of innocent civilians, particularly women and children, who have suffered in Gaza. The toll includes over 11,000 fatalities, many more injured, and widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, hospitals, and public facilities, leading to the displacement of over half of Gaza’s population.

The President asserted that Israel’s actions violate international law, including the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention, and condemned the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians as a war crime. He also held Hamas accountable for violating international law through attacks on civilians and taking hostages.

The root cause of the conflict, as highlighted by President Ramaphosa, is the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel, echoing UN Security Council Resolution 2334. The President called on the international community to take urgent and concrete actions to end the suffering in Gaza and work towards a just and peaceful resolution.

South Africa’s proposed measures include an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the opening of humanitarian corridors, restraint in fueling the conflict, the release of civilian hostages, a comprehensive dialogue facilitated by the UN, deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, and urgent prosecutions by the International Criminal Court against those responsible for war crimes.

President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of international solidarity and urged BRICS, as a crucial voice of the Global South, to play a vital role in achieving a just and lasting peace. The meeting concluded with a call for combined efforts to address historical injustices and work towards a secure future for both Palestine and Israel.

The international community awaits further developments as leaders consider these urgent calls for action.