Following the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, a joint declaration titled “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” included calls concerning Gaza and the Palestinian issue.
The joint text called on all parties to maintain the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensure the full and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. It also called for compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Gaza.
The declaration expressed concern over the continuation of violence in Gaza despite the ceasefire reached in October 2025. It stated that all policies aimed at forcibly removing Palestinians from the Gaza Strip must be halted.
The declaration also voiced concern over measures that could undermine the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people or legitimize or prolong the occupation. While calling for an urgent and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, it reiterated support for the State of Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations.
Emphasis on Jerusalem’s status
The declaration also addressed Israeli settlers who have seized Palestinian land in the West Bank, opposing the temporary or permanent forced displacement of any part of the Palestinian population from the occupied Palestinian territories.
The text stated that it opposed any geographical or demographic changes in the Gaza Strip and expressed concern over the current situation and humanitarian conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza. It stressed that actions contrary to international law were unacceptable.
It rejected all unilateral steps aimed at changing the legal and historical status of Jerusalem. It stated that the inviolability of religious sites and holy places must be respected and that everyone must have unhindered access to them and be able to perform their religious rites.
Support for the Lebanon ceasefire
The BRICS joint declaration also called on the parties to the ceasefire in Lebanon to comply with the terms of the agreement. It called for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
It condemned the continued violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity despite the ceasefire. It called on Israel to fulfill the terms of the agreement reached with the Lebanese government and withdraw its occupying forces from Lebanese territory.
BRICS expansion process
The grouping launched by China, Russia, Brazil and India in 2009 under the name “BRIC” became known as “BRICS” after South Africa joined in 2011. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined the grouping in 2024, while Indonesia joined in 2025.
With this expansion, BRICS became an 11-member grouping. It was stated that the grouping represents approximately half of the world’s population and around 40 percent of global economic output.
