Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged all parties in the ongoing conflict to immediately cease fire, end all attacks against civilians and release civilian detainees to avoid more loss of lives and suffering.
It is also important to ensure the safe and smooth passage of humanitarian relief, expand humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, and stop the forced relocation and the cut-off of water, electricity and oil that targets people in Gaza,
He made these remarks during an online BRICS leaders summit.
The BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It agreed in August to expand by adding Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates as members.
The new members will join in January 2024.
The Chinese President called on the international community to take concrete measures to prevent the escalation of the conflict, and also called for the “early convening of an international peace conference that is more authoritative to build international consensus for peace”.
“Since the outbreak of the latest Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has been working actively to promote peace talks and a ceasefire,” he added.
Beijing, he said, “has provided humanitarian assistance to help ease the humanitarian plight in Gaza” and would continue to do so.
In comments to the virtual summit, Vladimir Putin also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and international efforts to de-escalate the situation.
“Russia’s position is consistent and non-opportunistic. We call for the joint efforts of the international community aimed at de-escalating the situation, a ceasefire and finding a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
“And the BRICS states and countries of the region could play a key role in this work.”
Vladimir Putin
Once again, Putin blamed the Middle East crisis on the failure of U.S. diplomacy in the region.
He spoke of a human catastrope in the besieged enclave saying that the death of thousands of people, the mass expulsion of civilians and the humanitarian catastrophe that has erupted cause deep concern.”
Putin drew attention to the fact that children also died during the conflict.
He averred, “This is terrible. When you watch how operations are performed on children without anesthesia, it certainly evokes strong emotions.”
“Due to the sabotage of U.N. decisions, which clearly provide for the creation and peaceful coexistence of two independent and sovereign states – Israel and Palestine – more than one generation of Palestinians has been brought up in an atmosphere of injustice towards their people, and the Israelis cannot fully guarantee the security of their state.”
Vladimir Putin
Ramaphosa Suggests Deployment Of Rapid Force
Also speaking at the virtual summit, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa called for the deployment of a United Nations Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine, with a mandate to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians.
Ramaphosa highlighted that the actions by Israel are in clear violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention read together with its protocols.
He also averred, “In its attacks on civilians and by taking hostages, Hamas has also violated international law and must be held accountable for these actions.”
He said that South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors so that aid and other basic services reach those in need.
Ramaphosa noted that South Africa wants the International Criminal Court to urgently initiate prosecutions against those responsible for the perpetration of war crimes.
“As an important voice of the Global South representing a large part of humanity, we believe that BRICS has a vital role in a widespread international effort to achieve a just and lasting peace. As individual countries, we have demonstrated our grave concern at the death and destruction in Gaza.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
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