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Leaders from BRICS countries on Wednesday called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza Strip and the release of hostages from “both sides”, while denouncing Israel for its military offensive that has led to “mass killings” of civilians in that territory.
The escalating conflict in West Asia figured prominently in the Kazan Declaration, adopted by the leaders who participated in the 16th summit of the group in this Russian city.
BRICS includes Iran which faces possible retaliation from Israel after it launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at the Jewish nation on October 1.
Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were the initial 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 that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, among others.
“We reiterate our grave concern at the deterioration of the situation and humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in particular the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip and in West Bank as a result of the Israeli military offensive, which led to mass killing and injury of civilians, forced displacement and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure,” the Kazan Declaration said.
“We stress the urgent need for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees from both sides who are being illegally held captive and the unhindered sustainable and at scale supply of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and cessation of all aggressive actions,” it added.
The BRICS members also denounced “Israeli attacks against humanitarian operations, facilities, personnel and distribution points”.
The declaration sought “full implementation” of United Nations Security Council resolutions expressing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 42,000 people have died in Israeli attacks over the past year.
Hamas-led militants triggered the war when they breached Israeli defences in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 250.
The declaration welcomed efforts by Egypt, Qatar and others towards a ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid and “Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip”.
The declaration called for adherence to international law. It expressed concern that any further escalation of the conflict will fuel tension, extremism and “severe negative consequences both regionally and globally”.
The BRICS nations urged “all relevant parties” to act with “utmost restraint” and “avoid escalatory actions and provocative declarations”.
BRICS nations reaffirmed support for the State of Palestine’s full membership of the United Nations “in the context of the unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution based on international law”.
The declaration also expressed alarm over the situation in southern Lebanon, where the war has spread in recent weeks.
“We condemn the loss of civilian lives and the immense damage to civilian infrastructure resulting from attacks by Israel in residential areas in Lebanon and call for immediate cessation of military acts,” it said.
It also condemned the attacks on UN personnel and called upon Israel to “immediately cease such activity”.
In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had also emphasised on the need for peace in West Asia.
They also discussed the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties in the conflict.
Terrorism A Common Threat
Terming terrorism as a “common threat”, BRICS leaders Wednesday vowed to take “decisive measures” to prevent and disrupt the spread of terrorist ideology, the misuse of modern technologies for terrorist purposes, cross-border movement of terrorists and terrorist financing.
In a joint declaration issued after the summit, the leaders reiterated unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while reaffirming that it should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.
“We emphasise that terrorism is a common threat, which requires a comprehensive and balanced approach at global and regional levels with due regard to national priorities of States,” the declaration said.
The BRICS leaders committed to enhance international and regional cooperation to prevent and counter terrorist threats on the basis of full respect for the sovereignty and security of States and in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
“We recognise that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivations, and stress the need to ensure a strong collective response to the persistent and emerging terrorist threats without double standards,” they said.
The leaders rejected any attempts at politicisation of counter-terrorism issues and the use of terrorist groups to achieve political ends.
“We commit to take decisive measures to prevent and disrupt the spread of terrorist ideology and radicalisation, the misuse of modern technologies for terrorist purposes, cross-border movement of terrorists, terrorist financing and other forms of terrorism support, incitement to commit terrorist acts, as well as recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters,” the declaration said.
The leaders called for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism within the UN framework.
“We call for concerted actions against all UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities,” the declaration said.
The leaders said they look forward to further strengthening practical counter-terrorism cooperation and welcomed the activities of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five Subgroups based upon the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan, including the adoption of the CTWG Position Paper.
“We reiterate our commitment to preventing and combating illicit financial flows, money laundering, terrorism financing, drug trafficking, corruption and the misuse of new technologies, including cryptocurrencies, for illegal and terrorist purposes,” they said.
The leaders also called for an enhanced dialogue within BRICS on the issues of money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism with the participation of relevant stakeholders.
Prime Minister Modi earlier batted for concerted global efforts to deal with terrorism and that there must not be any “double standards” in fighting the menace in his speech.
China had blocked several proposals at the United Nations to designate Pakistan-based terrorists.
“In order to counter terrorism and terror financing, we need the single-minded, firm support of all. There is no place for double standards on this serious matter.
“We need to take active steps to stop the radicalisation of youth in our countries. We must work together on the long pending matter in the UN of the Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism,” he said.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - Agencies)
