At the BRICS meeting, leaders call for an end to the war in Gaza, condemn terrorism in all forms – News18

BRICS leaders on Wednesday called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages from “both sides”, while condemning Israel for its military offensive that has led to “mass killings” of civilians in the territory.

The escalating conflict in West Asia features prominently in the Kazan Declaration adopted by leaders attending the group’s 16th summit in the Russian city.

BRICS includes Iran, which faces possible retaliation from Israel after it fired ballistic missiles at the Jewish nation on October 1.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were the original members of the group, which has now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The declaration specifically condemned the Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Syria in April, which killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers, among others.

“We reiterate our grave concern at the worsening situation and humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in particular the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as a result of the Israeli military offensive, which has led to mass killings and injuries of civilians, forced displacement and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure,” the Kazan Declaration reads.

“We stress the urgent need for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees from both sides who are being unlawfully held captive, and the unimpeded, sustained and massive delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and cessation of all aggressive actions,” it added.

The BRICS members also condemned “Israeli attacks on humanitarian operations, facilities, personnel and distribution points”.

The declaration sought “full implementation” of UN Security Council resolutions expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than 42,000 people have died in Israeli attacks over the past year.

Hamas-led militants sparked the war when they breached Israeli defenses in October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 250.

The declaration welcomed efforts by Egypt, Qatar and others for a ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid and “Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip”.

The declaration calls for compliance with international law. He expressed concern that any further escalation of the conflict would fuel tensions, extremism and “severe negative consequences both regionally and globally”.

The BRICS countries called on “all interested parties” to act with “greatest restraint” and “avoid escalating actions and provocative statements.”

The BRICS countries reaffirmed their support for the full membership of the State of Palestine in the UN “in the context of an unwavering commitment to the vision of a two-state solution based on international law.”

The declaration also expressed concern over the situation in southern Lebanon, where war has spread in recent weeks.

“We condemn the loss of civilian lives and massive damage to civilian infrastructure as a result of Israel’s attacks on residential areas in Lebanon and call for an immediate end to hostilities,” the statement said.

He also condemned the attacks on UN staff and called on Israel to “immediately end such activity”.

In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian also stressed the need for peace in West Asia.

They also discussed the role India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all parties to the conflict.

Terrorism is a common threat

Describing terrorism as a “common threat”, BRICS leaders pledged on Wednesday to take “decisive measures” to prevent and counter the spread of terrorist ideology, the misuse of advanced technology for terrorist purposes, the cross-border movement of terrorists and the financing of terrorism.

In a joint statement issued after the summit, the leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while reaffirming that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.

“We emphasize that terrorism is a common threat that requires a comprehensive and balanced approach at the global and regional level, taking into account the national priorities of countries,” the statement said.

The BRICS leaders pledged to strengthen international and regional cooperation to prevent and counter terrorist threats based on full respect for the sovereignty and security of states and in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

“We recognize that all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivations, and emphasize the need to ensure a strong collective response to persistent and emerging terrorist threats without double standards,” they said.

The leaders rejected any attempts to politicize counter-terrorism issues and the use of terrorist groups to achieve political goals.

“We are committed to taking decisive measures to prevent and counter the spread of terrorist ideology and radicalization, misuse of modern technology for terrorist purposes, cross-border movement of terrorists, financing of terrorism and other forms of support for terrorism, incitement to commit terrorist acts , as well as recruiting foreign terrorist fighters,” the statement said.

The leaders called for the swift finalization and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the framework of the United Nations.

“We call for concerted action against all UN-designated terrorists and terrorist entities,” the statement said.

The leaders said they looked forward to further strengthening practical cooperation on counter-terrorism and welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five sub-groups based on the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Counter-Terrorism Action Plan with BRICS terrorism, including adoption by the CTWG position paper.

“We reaffirm our commitment to prevent and combat illicit financial flows, money laundering, terrorist financing, drug trafficking, corruption and the misuse of new technologies, including cryptocurrencies, for illegal and terrorist purposes,” they said.

The leaders also called for enhanced dialogue within the BRICS framework on money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism with the participation of relevant stakeholders.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier hailed a concerted global effort to tackle terrorism and that there should be no “double standards” in fighting the menace in his speech.

China has blocked several UN proposals to designate Pakistan-based terrorists.

“To counter terrorism and terrorist financing, we need everyone’s targeted and firm support. There is no room for double standards on this serious matter.

“We must take active steps to stop the radicalization of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long-pending issue at the United Nations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism,” he said.

(This story was not edited by News18 staff and was published by a syndicated news agency feed – Agencies)