South Africa is set to host a virtual summit of the BRICS group, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, to address the Israel-Hamas conflict on Tuesday.
The BRICS — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — are a group of major emerging economies seeking to reshape the US and Western-led global order.
This “Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East Situation in Gaza” aims to formulate a collective response to the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for over six weeks.
The meeting will involve leaders from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, who are scheduled to join the BRICS group in January 2024.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also participate. The summit is expected to conclude with a joint statement, particularly addressing the situation in Gaza.
Fighting in Gaza intensified after a surprise Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, mostly civilians, and around 240 people taken hostage, according to Israeli officials. In response, Gaza has faced a retaliatory air and ground offensive, resulting in approximately 13,300 casualties, including over 5,500 children, as reported by officials in the Hamas-run territory.
South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party often linking it to its own struggle against apartheid.
The ANC announced support for a parliamentary motion to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until a ceasefire in Gaza is agreed upon.
Additionally, South Africa, along with four other nations, called for an International Criminal Court investigation into the Israel-Hamas conflict.
China, historically sympathetic to the Palestinians, advocates for a two-state solution and has been urging an immediate ceasefire since the conflict’s outset.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has criticized the West for escalating tensions in the Middle East and voiced concerns about Israel’s conduct in the conflict.
