Brics calls for immediate, sustained truce to end Israel-Hamas conflict

The Brics grouping on Tuesday called for an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas while expressing its deep concern over the dire humanitarian crisis triggered by the raging conflict between the two sides.

- Rahul Singh

“We reiterated our strong support for regional and international efforts aimed at achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid,” the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping said in a Chair’s Summary issued after an extraordinary meeting on the situation in the Middle East with particular reference to Gaza.

India said the Israel-Hamas conflict, triggered by the October 7 terrorist attack, was causing immense human suffering in Gaza while welcoming the efforts of the international community towards de-escalation and drawing attention to the urgent need to ensure that humanitarian aid and relief reached the Palestinian city.

“It is also imperative that all (Israeli) hostages are released,” external affairs minister S Jaishankar said.