WANA (Jul 07) – The leaders of BRICS, in a joint statement issued at the group’s 17th summit, condemned what they described as Israel’s aggressive attacks on Iran and called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

 

The 17th BRICS summit commenced on Sunday evening under the chairmanship of Brazilian President. Iran’s delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

 

According to reports, the BRICS leaders unanimously condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran in their final communiqué, while reiterating their demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

 

“The BRICS leaders condemned the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran and called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw his forces from the Gaza Strip. They also urged ‘fair and sustainable solutions’ to conflicts across the Middle East,” the statement said.

 

South Africa’s President, in his opening address on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, told other BRICS leaders, “South Africa remains concerned about the deteriorating peace and security situation in the Middle East. The recent attacks by Israel and the United States on the Islamic Republic of Iran raise serious concerns regarding international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians.”

 

The BRICS leaders also expressed concern over the current trend of “sharp increases in global military spending.”

 

Additionally, the leaders voiced “serious concerns” over the rise in unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures “which disrupt trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organization rules.”

 

Brazil’s president, hosting the two-day summit, opened Sunday’s session by reiterating the bloc’s longstanding calls to reform the UN Security Council to better represent countries from the Global South.

 

BRICS, an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded its membership to include Indonesia, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Egypt, in an effort to strengthen its influence in global affairs long dominated by Washington and the West.

 

In his remarks, South Africa’s President stated, “BRICS is increasingly shaping global discussions on development, multipolar governance, and security issues. We must continue to support the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and ensure lasting and sustainable peace.”