BRICS Reaffirms Support for Palestinian State, Rejects Forced Displacement from Gaza
New Delhi Declaration calls for Palestinian self determination, unrestricted humanitarian aid and respect for international law.
BRICS countries have reaffirmed their support for Palestinian statehood and strongly opposed any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
The position was outlined in the BRICS New Delhi Declaration adopted on Saturday. The bloc also called for the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire and end violations.
In paragraphs 30 to 36 of the declaration, BRICS expressed concern over continued violence in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025. It called for humanitarian assistance to reach the territory fully and without obstruction.
The declaration welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and urged the implementation of relevant resolutions passed by both the Security Council and the General Assembly.
Among the leaders attending the New Delhi meeting are Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
BRICS also rejected policies aimed at forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza. The bloc warned against arrangements that could undermine the rights of the Palestinian people or contribute to the continuation or legitimisation of occupation.
Ahead of the summit, the Indo Palestine Solidarity Network and several Indian civil society representatives had called on BRICS leaders to take stronger collective action against Israel. Their demands included support for boycott, divestment and sanctions, steps towards Israel’s suspension from the United Nations and an end to military and economic assistance that could facilitate violations of international law.
Support for Palestinian statehood
The BRICS declaration said a lasting and just resolution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict must be achieved through peaceful means while protecting the legitimate rights of Palestinians.
These rights include self determination and the right of return, according to the declaration.
The bloc also supported stronger Palestinian participation in international organisations, including multilateral financial institutions, along with access to their resources.
BRICS reiterated its backing for full United Nations membership for the State of Palestine. The declaration linked this position to support for a two state solution based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
The proposed framework calls for a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, covering Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The declaration said the objective should be two states living alongside each other in peace and security.
Opposition to displacement
BRICS expressed firm opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, whether temporarily or permanently and regardless of the justification given.
The bloc also rejected any geographic or demographic changes to Gaza.
The declaration stressed that international law and international judicial institutions require an end to the illegal occupation and practices that violate international legal standards or obstruct efforts towards a lasting peace.
BRICS also raised concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called on all sides to comply with international humanitarian and human rights law.
It condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare, attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, and restrictions on humanitarian assistance.
The bloc also opposed efforts to politicise or militarise humanitarian aid.
Support for UNRWA
BRICS reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as UNRWA.
The declaration stressed the importance of protecting the agency’s mandate to provide essential services to Palestinian refugees across its five areas of operation.
The bloc also referred to provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in a case brought by South Africa against Israel. It noted that the measures reaffirmed Israel’s legal obligation to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
BRICS called on all relevant parties to meet their obligations under international law, exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements that could further escalate tensions.
Jerusalem and Lebanon
The declaration rejected unilateral efforts to change what it described as the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem.
It called for the protection of religious sites and holy places in the city and affirmed the right of people to access them and practise their faith.
On Lebanon, BRICS welcomed the ceasefire and urged all parties to fully respect its terms and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
The bloc condemned continued ceasefire violations as well as actions affecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It called on Israel to honour its agreements with the Lebanese government and withdraw its forces from Lebanese territory where they remain.
BRICS also highlighted the importance of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL. It stressed that the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel and equipment must be protected and that the integrity of United Nations premises must be respected.
The declaration condemned attacks on UNIFIL facilities and personnel, describing them as violations of international law and Resolution 1701.
BRICS expressed condolences over the deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers and other UNIFIL personnel. It also called for those responsible for attacks on peacekeepers to be held accountable.