President Cyril Ramaphosa, in an impassioned address at the Extraordinary Joint Meeting of BRICS Leaders and Leaders of invited BRICS members, has called upon the global community to take urgent and concrete actions to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza and pave the way for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East.
During the virtual Extraordinary Meeting, leaders from BRICS countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China, alongside invited BRICS leaders from Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, convened to deliberate on the situation in Gaza.
President Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s firm stance in advocating for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. He outlined a six-point plan, which includes the urgent need for a ceasefire, the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure the delivery of aid to those in need, the call for all countries to exercise restraint and halt the supply of weapons to the conflicting parties, the release of civilian hostages, the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue led by Palestinians and Israelis and facilitated by the United Nations, and the deployment of a UN Rapid Deployment Force in Palestine to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians.
Furthermore, the President emphasized the need for the International Criminal Court to promptly initiate prosecutions against those accountable for war crimes. He underscored the significance of international solidarity and highlighted the pivotal role of BRICS as a representative of the Global South in fostering a widespread international effort to achieve a just and lasting peace.
President Ramaphosa concluded by urging for collective efforts to end the historical injustice in Gaza and to strive towards a secure and peaceful future for the people of Palestine and Israel.
In his address, President Ramaphosa exuded empathy and firm resolve, encapsulating the unwavering commitment of South Africa to advocate for peace and justice on the global stage. His call for action resonates not only with the leaders in attendance but also reverberates across the globe, stirring the hearts of individuals passionate about the quest for peace and humanity.
