The extraordinary meeting of BRICS leaders held on Tuesday was convened by the group’s current president and South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and concluded without a final joint statement.

Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India and China, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates also reiterated their support to efforts that ensure the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid.

According to a summary of the event released by the South African presidency, the leaders expressed concern about the escalation increase of violence since the October 7th, 2023 attack and the awful humanitarian situation in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.

The leaders further condemned acts of violence directed at Palestinian and Israeli civilians, including war crimes, indiscriminate attacks and attacks against civilian infrastructure, as well as all deeds of provocation and destruction. “We emphasized that civilians must be protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” they stressed.

The dignitaries also emphasized the need to “ensure that independent and transparent investigations are carried out in accordance with international standards”, and reiterated their commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultations in a coordinated and cooperative manner, and supported all efforts leading to the peaceful resolution of the crises.

During the meeting, Ramaphosa called for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians held illegally captive, demanding that their safety and well-being be guaranteed, and that they be provided with humane treatment in accordance with international law.

The President of South Africa called for support to direct negotiations based on international law and relevant UN resolutions, leading to a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine.

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