At the recent BRICS extraordinary virtual meeting on November 21, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the critical need for justice and peace in the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict. “It is very timely and very important that we meet and speak up for justice and for peace on the Palestine-Israeli issue,” President Xi stated, underscoring the urgency of international intervention.
President Xi called for an immediate ceasefire, the establishment of humanitarian corridors, and practical measures by the international community to prevent the conflict from escalating further. His speech highlighted the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, a region of approximately 360 square kilometers with a population exceeding two million people. The ongoing military operations have exacerbated the dire conditions caused by a long-standing blockade, depriving residents of essential resources such as water, electricity, and fuel.
“The collective punishment of people in Gaza must stop,” President Xi urged, advocating for the protection of innocent civilians caught in the conflict. Demonstrating China’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, he announced that China has provided \$2 million in emergency aid through the Palestinian National Authority and United Nations agencies, along with additional supplies worth 15 million yuan (\$2.1 million) facilitated by Egypt.
China’s active role in addressing the Palestine-Israel issue has garnered international recognition. Serving as the rotating president of the United Nations Security Council this month, China has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and building consensus among member nations. Notably, the Security Council recently adopted its first resolution in 40 days since the outbreak of the new round of conflict, focusing on humanitarian concerns—a testament to China’s diplomatic efforts.
Highlighting the root causes of the conflict, President Xi pointed out that the rights of the Palestinian people—to statehood, existence, and return—have long been neglected. He reaffirmed China’s support for the two-state solution as the fundamental pathway to lasting peace. “The international community must act with a greater sense of urgency,” he asserted, calling for the convening of a more authoritative international peace conference to build consensus and work towards a comprehensive, just, and sustainable resolution.
The peace process has faced significant challenges in recent years. The expansion of settlements in the West Bank has intensified tensions, and prolonged negotiations led by external parties have stalled. Mutual distrust between the parties, with Israel labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization and Hamas disputing Israel’s legitimacy, has hindered direct communication and the establishment of an effective dialogue mechanism.
In light of these complexities, President Xi’s appeal underscores the necessity for urgent mediation by the international community. The BRICS summit serves as a platform for emerging economies to voice collective concerns and contribute constructively to global peace initiatives. As the conflict continues to impact millions of lives, the call for immediate action resonates not only within the BRICS nations but across the world.
President Xi’s remarks at the summit reflect a commitment to uphold universal human values and promote stability in a region critical to global peace. The international community watches closely, hopeful that unified efforts will pave the way toward resolving one of the most enduring and challenging conflicts of our time.
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BRICS summit showcases a new force in shaping international landscape
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