The summit of BRICS countries on Israel-Hamas issue will be held virtually on Tuesday. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the meeting. The foreign ministries of both the countries gave this information on Monday. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current chair of the BRICS group, has called this meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
Ramaphosa will open the meeting with his address. After that the member states will give their statements on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. BRICS countries include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will also participate in the meeting virtually. At the end of the conference, it is expected to adopt a joint statement on the situation in the Middle East with special reference to Gaza.
Leaders of Islamic countries gathered in China to save Gaza
Representatives of Muslim countries from around the world reached China on Monday to find a solution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Beijing is trying to become the new leader of Islamic countries. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomed counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine National Authority, Indonesia as well as the head of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in the capital Beijing.
Wang Yi said his country will work with its brothers and sisters in the Arab and Islamic world to end the war in Gaza as soon as possible. Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Indonesia decided to kick off the tour from Beijing as part of an upcoming visit to the various countries, showing China’s growing geopolitical influence and its long-term support for the Palestinians.
In opening remarks at the state guest house before the start of the talks, Wang said China is a good friend and brother of Arab and Islamic countries. We have always firmly defended the legitimate rights and interests of Islamic countries and firmly supported the Palestinian people. Let us tell you that China has been supporting the Palestinians for a long time and has been criticizing Israel for the settlements in the occupied areas. China has not criticized the Hamas attack on October 7.
Call for immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid and relief to the Gaza Strip. He said that we are still facing dangerous developments and a humanitarian crisis that requires international solidarity to deal with and combat it.
Prince Faisal said last weekend that the five foreign ministers would visit the capitals of several countries in an effort to push for a ceasefire, deliver aid to Gaza and end the war. Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissen Brahim Taha is also accompanying him on his visit to Beijing.
Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki said this is not Israel’s first war against the Palestinian people. However, Israel wants this to be its last war, where it can take complete control over the remaining historical lands of Palestine.
Putting pressure politically motivated: Israeli Ambassador
Israel’s Ambassador to China Irit Ben-Abba said on Monday that her country was allowing adequate humanitarian aid into Gaza in cooperation with international organizations. Putting pressure on Israel in this regard is politically motivated. He said he expected the Security Council to demand the unconditional release of the 240 people held hostage by Hamas rather than call for a ceasefire.
