BRICS calls for ceasefire in Gaza, denounces Israel for 'mass killings'

DECLARATION CONDEMNS ISRAELI STRIKE ON IRAN'S CONSULATE IN SYRIA

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KAZAN: Leaders from BRICS countries on Wednesday called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza Strip and the release of hostages from "both sides, while denouncing Israel for its military offensive that has led to "mass killings" of civilians in that territory.

The escalating conflict in West Asia figured prominently in the Kazan Declaration, adopted by the leaders who participated in the 16th summit of the group in this Russian city.

BRICS includes Iran which faces possible retaliation from Israel after it launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at the Jewish nation on October 1.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa were the initial members of the group, which has now expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The declaration specifically condemned the Israeli airstrike on Iran's consulate in Syria in April that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, among others.