BRICS leaders call for independent Palestine state

Gulf Today Report

The leaders of the Brics countries stressed, in the final statement of the 16th summit, held in the Russian city of Kazan, the importance of enhancing cooperation based on common interests and continuing to expand partnerships.

The statement welcomed the decision taken within the framework of the Brics Economic Partnership Strategy until 2025, regarding the necessary measures to support the necessary reforms of the World Trade Organization, with the aim of increasing its stability, role and effectiveness, and enhancing development and inclusiveness.

The statement indicated support for the acceptance of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, in the context of the firm commitment to the two-state solution based on international law, including the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly, and the Arab Peace Initiative, which stipulates the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, in accordance with the internationally recognized borders of June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

The leaders expressed their grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as a result of the military operation by the Israeli occupying forces, which has resulted in widespread deaths and injuries, civilian casualties, forced displacement, and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, calling for the facilitation of widespread and unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip.