Joint Statement on Gaza and Lebanon at the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit

Following the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit held in New Delhi, a joint declaration titled "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" was published.

The declaration called for respect for the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding Gaza and said, "We call on all parties to ensure that the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is maintained and that humanitarian aid is delivered fully and unhindered." The statement was included.

Pointing out that there is concern about the continuation of violence in the region despite the ceasefire reached in Gaza in October 2025, the statement said, "We call for the stopping of any policy aimed at the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip; we express our concerns about regulations that may prejudice the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and legitimize or prolong the occupation." It was said.

In the declaration, which called for an urgent and permanent solution to the Palestine issue, support for the full membership of the State of Palestine to the UN was reiterated.

The statement also touched upon the issue of Israelis usurping Palestinian lands in the West Bank and said: "We express our resolute opposition to the temporary or permanent forced displacement of any part of the Palestinian population from the occupied Palestinian territory, for any reason, and to any geographical or demographic change in the territory of the Gaza Strip." his opinion was shared.

It was underlined that we are concerned about the current and humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the Gaza strip, and that we are against actions contrary to international law in the region.

In the declaration, it was stated that we oppose all unilateral actions aimed at changing the legal and historical status of the lands of Jerusalem, and said: "We call for full respect for the inviolability of all religious places and holy places in the city, as well as the right of everyone to access these places and fulfill their religious responsibilities without any obstacles." The expression was used.

The statement also pointed out the situation in Lebanon and said, "We welcome the ceasefire in Lebanon and call on all parties to comply with the terms of this agreement and implement UNSC resolution No. 1701." The statement was included.

"We call on Israel to respect the terms of the agreement reached with the Lebanese government and to withdraw its occupying forces from all parts of Lebanese territory where they are still present."

The group, which was initiated in 2009 by China, Russia, Brazil and India as a forum bringing together major developing economies under the name "BRIC", and was named "BRICS" with the participation of South Africa in 2011, turned into an 11-member community with the participation of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, and Indonesia in 2025.

Through the enlargement process, BRICS has become a community representing approximately half of the world's population and approximately 40 percent of global economic output.