The BRICS countries held an “Extraordinary Joint Meeting” on November 21, 2023 to discuss the situation in Gaza. The virtual meeting was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and attended by the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates were also invited to participate in the meeting, among the new BRICS members whose full membership will begin next year.[1]
The BRICS group is emerging as an important actor of sustainable peace in the new world order. These five major emerging economies and the newly invited members have come together to contribute to changing global economic and political balances, to protect their interests and to increase their power. BRICS’ challenge to the global balance of power has positioned the group’s members as a normative political force rather than just an economic alliance.
At the summit, attended by United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, BRICS leaders presented their country statements on the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Authorities in Gaza have announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks has exceeded 13,300. Of these, 5,600 are children and 3,550 are women. It was also announced that 201 medical personnel, 22 members of the civil defense rescue team and 60 journalists were among them.[2]
BRICS called for an immediate, lasting and sustainable ceasefire for humanity and expressed its strong support for regional and international efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “Israel’s collective punishment of Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force is a war crime. The deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water to the residents of Gaza amounts to genocide.”[3]
BRICS leaders and representatives emphasized the need for a long-term diplomatic solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to achieve peace. In this context, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the organization of an “international peace conference”. “There can be no sustainable peace and security in the Middle East without a just solution to the Palestinian conflict,” Xi Jinping said.[4]
The BRICS countries’ approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is based on a framework that emphasizes the search for a sustainable peace. This perspective aims to support diplomatic initiatives for a lasting solution to the conflict by ensuring a fair balance between the parties. BRICS, and China in particular, emphasizes the sustainability of peace and stability in the region in line with a win-win approach. In this context, group members can seek to mitigate the long-term effects of the conflict through participation in humanitarian projects and support for development projects.
BRICS’ steps in this direction may be a reflection of the search for alternative powers in the new world order. The group aims to contribute to global peace and security. These efforts of the BRICS countries towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may reflect their efforts to position themselves as effective actors in international relations and the new world order.
China has historically been sensitive to the Palestinians and has supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This year, seeking to play a more influential role in the Middle East, China facilitated a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran and sent an envoy to broker a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas conflict.
Economic Power and Cooperation: The BRICS countries occupy an impressive position in the global economy. As one of the world’s largest economies in terms of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), they are important actors in international trade and economic development projects. Economic cooperation within BRICS contributes to the promotion of sustainable development and economic stability at the global level.
Political Interaction and Multilateral Diplomacy: BRICS countries have the capacity to act together on various global issues. They come together around common interests and engage politically on international platforms. As in the case of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, BRICS leaders take a common stance and support international peace efforts to resolve the conflict.
Contribution to a Multipolar World Order: BRICS has an important role to play at a time when the global balance of power is evolving into a multipolar structure. They stand against the traditionally Western-oriented global order and advocate their own visions and perspectives. In this case, they aim to contribute to a fairer world order by increasing diversity in global decision-making processes.
Emphasis on Humanitarian and Diplomatic Solutions: BRICS countries aim to respect humanitarian values by emphasizing peaceful solutions in conflict zones. In the context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, BRICS leaders support diplomatic solutions for lasting peace and demand respect for human rights.
It should not be forgotten that BRICS also faces many challenges in its decision-making processes. This is because BRICS has not yet deepened and gained an institutional identity like Western liberal institutions. There are differences among member countries and it is not always easy to take a common position. Moreover, more coordination and cooperation are needed to further strengthen their influence in the global order.
In conclusion, BRICS has a significant potential to ensure sustainable peace in the new world order. These economically, politically and diplomatically strong countries can increase their efforts to find solutions to global problems and contribute to global peace.
[1] “BRICS Countries To Hold Extraordinary Joint Meeting On Situation In Gaza”, AA, https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/brics-countries-to-hold-extraordinary-joint-meeting-on-situation-in-gaza/3059961, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.11.2023).
[2] Aynı yer.
[3] “BRICS Urges Immediate Gaza Truce, South Africa Slams Israeli ‘Genocide’”, France24, https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231121-south-africa-accuses-israel-of-war-crimes-and-genocide, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.11.2023).
[4] Aynı yer.
