On Tuesday, the Brics grouping expressed its profound concern over the catastrophic humanitarian catastrophe brought on by the raging conflict between Israel and Hamas and called for an early, sustainable, and sustained humanitarian truce that would end hostilities between the two sides.
“We reiterated our strong support for regional and international efforts aimed at achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid,” the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping mentioned in a statement.
India welcomed the international community’s efforts towards de-escalation and called attention to the pressing need of guaranteeing that humanitarian aid and relief entered the Palestinian city. It said that the Israel-Hamas conflict, which was sparked by the terrorist attack on October 7, was causing immense human suffering in Gaza.
“It is also imperative that all (Israeli) hostages are released,” external affairs minister S Jaishankar averred.
“We believe that there is a universal obligation to observe international humanitarian law. We are all aware that the immediate crisis was triggered by the terrorist attack of October 7. Where terrorism itself is concerned, none of us should and can compromise with it.”
The Brics alliance urged all sides to use the greatest amount of prudence, highlighting the significance of stopping further destabilization and violence escalation, including the conflict’s spread throughout the region. Jaishankar stated in his speech that India emphasizes the peaceful settlement of disputes via negotiation and diplomacy in addition to the necessity of moderation and prompt humanitarian assistance.
India’s response to the events in the Middle East has been complicated. On the growing fight, other Brics members have adopted a tough stance.
“The deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water to the residents of Gaza is tantamount to genocide. The atrocities that we have witnessed are the latest chapter in a painful history of suffering, oppression, occupation and conflict going back more than 75 years,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in the opening statement.
According to a Johannesburg-based AFP report, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that a fair resolution to the Palestine issue is a must for long-term stability and security in the Middle East.
According to Jaishankar, India thinks that the Palestinian people’s issues should be taken seriously and long-term.
“This can only happen with a two-state solution that is based on peaceful co-existence. We have been consistently supportive of international efforts towards this end.”
“Over the years, India has supported the socio-economic welfare of the Palestinian people and strengthening of their national institutions. Our developmental partnership is geared towards these objectives. We continue to provide assistance both bilaterally and through the UN,” Jaishankar added.
“We have to address them all and yet have to prioritise. Our endeavour should be to both make a difference on the ground immediately while also creating conditions for lasting solutions,” Jaishankar further averred.
South Africa called the extraordinary summit, which was attended by the following soon-to-be members of the group: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
