“I have emphasized on many occasions that the only viable way to break the cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the two-state solution, in the restoration of the legitimate national rights of Palestine, and in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine.” said President Xi Jinping while addressing the BRICS extraordinary virtual summit on the Palestinian-Israeli issue. The summit, the first since the group’s expansion in August, was chaired by South Africa, which also invited leaders from the group’s new members, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
As the preeminent and influential collaboration platform uniting emerging-market nations and developing countries, BRICS demonstrated its commitment to addressing critical global issues by convening this extraordinary summit amidst the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Although the summit did not issue a joint statement, a chair’s summary conveyed a collective denunciation of the ongoing war in Gaza. The group voiced condemnation for any form of individual or mass forcible transfer and deportation of Palestinians from their native land. Emphasizing their stance, the group reiterated that such actions, whether within Gaza or towards neighbouring countries, are deemed grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, constituting war crimes and violations under International Humanitarian Law. This nuanced expression underscores the group’s commitment to upholding principles of international law and human rights.
This landmark event at such a pivotal juncture signifies a promising commencement for enhanced cooperation within the BRICS framework. Throughout the years, China has consistently underscored, on both bilateral and multilateral platforms, the imperative of resolving the Palestinian question through the two-state solution. The emphasis is clear: the Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the Middle East challenge and cannot be relegated to the periphery. This unwavering commitment has engendered a deep sense of trust among Arab-Islamic countries in China’s pivotal role in addressing Middle East affairs. In his pivotal address titled “Working Toward a Ceasefire and Realizing Lasting Peace and Sustainable Security,” President Xi Jinping laid out three imperative tasks. Firstly, he urged the conflicting parties to immediately halt hostilities, cease all violence against civilians, release those held captive, and work to prevent further loss of life and suffering. Secondly, he emphasized the need to secure and maintain humanitarian corridors while increasing assistance to the population in Gaza, putting an end to the collective punishment inflicted on its people. Thirdly, President Xi stressed the importance of the international community taking tangible measures to prevent the conflict from escalating and jeopardizing overall stability in the Middle East. These urgent tasks, characterized by their practicality and sincerity, address the core issues at hand and offer constructive, actionable solutions.
In his address, President Xi reiterated China’s long-standing stance by emphasizing that the most realistic path to break the cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is through the two-state solution. He advocated for the prompt organization of a more authoritative international peace conference, aligning with the anticipated outcomes of regional nations and echoing the broad consensus of both BRICS and the international community. Other leaders in attendance also contributed their perspectives through speeches, collectively forming what President Xi referred to as “BRICS strong voices” on the Palestinian-Israeli issue – a noteworthy and substantial contribution to the discourse.
The “BRICS voice” stands in stark contrast to the stance taken by the USA and Western nations. With the USA yet to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, there is a palpable sense of disappointment brewing in the Arab world and among developing countries, redirecting their expectations toward BRICS. This platform serves as an amplifier for the voices of developing nations in global affairs, becoming a focal point for those seeking an alternative approach to the ongoing crisis. The importance of this summit can be gauged from the fact that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres participated in the meeting, embodying the international community’s anticipation of the heightened role that BRICS countries could assume in tackling pressing issues in these volatile regions.
While a solitary summit or two may not directly resolve the conflict, the unified presence and persistent assertions of developing nations could prove beneficial in charting a roadmap for Israeli-Palestinian peace. This collaborative effort may centre on a “two-state solution,” incorporating the promotion of peace and the realization of peaceful coexistence through the introduction of more concrete proposals.
The summit coincided with Beijing hosting a delegation of Arab-Islamic foreign ministers and maintaining robust communication with fellow permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as France. This strategic engagement underscores China’s concerted efforts to foster diplomatic ties and collaborate on international affairs. The inability of the UN Security Council to take decisive action, hampered by the opposition of a few nations, has erected an insurmountable hurdle. Additionally, the reluctance of some Western nations to champion justice has created a void within the global governance framework.
Stepping into this vacuum are the BRICS countries, representing the voices of emerging-market and developing nations. This shift underscores the evolving role of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, its heightened influence on the international stage, the collective power of BRICS nations in shaping global dynamics, and its profound impact on the trajectory of global development. Unlike China’s constructive engagement, experts argue that the USA has failed to apply sufficient pressure on Israel for a ceasefire or taken affirmative diplomatic steps to address the crisis. This has left the Arab world disappointed and prompted developing nations to redirect their expectations towards the BRICS mechanism.
China has been playing a pivotal role in fostering reconciliation efforts in the Middle East, emerging as a steadfast force committed to constructive peace-building and the establishment of a stable environment. Recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts on a global scale, major nations should unite and work together to enhance the conditions conducive to the peacemaking process in the region.
In its capacity as the rotating president of the UN Security Council, China has diligently pursued the adoption of the first Security Council resolution amid the ongoing hostilities. This underscores China’s earnest commitment to addressing the challenges in the region through international cooperation and diplomatic initiatives. China has also extended a humanitarian hand to alleviate the crisis in Gaza. This assistance encompasses a $2 million emergency aid package delivered through the Palestinian National Authority and UN agencies. Moreover, China has collaborated with Egypt to dispatch emergency humanitarian supplies valued at 15 million yuan ($2.1 million), including essential provisions like food and medicine, to the Gaza Strip.
While a solitary summit or two may not directly resolve the conflict, the unified presence and persistent assertions of developing nations could prove beneficial in charting a roadmap for Israeli-Palestinian peace. This collaborative effort may centre on a “two-state solution,” incorporating the promotion of peace and the realization of peaceful coexistence through the introduction of more concrete proposals.
