Indian Civil Society Groups Urge BRICS to Push for Permanent Gaza Ceasefire

NEW DELHI: A group of Indian civil society organisations and activists has urged BRICS leaders to press for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to Israeli military operations and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.

The appeal was issued ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. It was led by the Indo Palestine Solidarity Network along with several civil society activists and public figures.

Addressed to the leaders of BRICS countries through Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the appeal called for concrete political and diplomatic action rather than expressions of concern.

The groups said the continuing violence in Gaza and the West Bank reflected a serious failure of the international community to protect Palestinian civilians and uphold international law.

They called for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid and an end to restrictions on essential supplies entering the territory.

The appeal also raised concerns over continued casualties and shortages of medicines and other essential supplies in Gaza. The signatories said Palestinian civilians continue to face serious humanitarian challenges despite previous ceasefire efforts.

Particular attention was given to the situation in the occupied West Bank. The groups said Israeli military operations and attacks by settlers had increased, leading to displacement of Palestinian families and damage to civilian and religious sites.

The organisations called for an immediate halt to military operations in the West Bank, an end to settler attacks and forced displacement, and measures to prevent further expansion of settlements and annexation of Palestinian land.

They said developments in the West Bank should be viewed as part of the wider Palestinian issue, arguing that occupation and settlement expansion remain central to the conflict.

The groups also urged BRICS countries to support international measures against Israel until what they described as violations of Palestinian rights and international law are addressed.

Among their demands was a collective BRICS position supporting efforts to suspend Israel from the United Nations until it complies with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The appeal also called on BRICS to support negotiations for a comprehensive political settlement that gives Palestinians a central role in deciding their political future.

The organisations extended their appeal beyond Palestine, urging BRICS to take diplomatic steps concerning the wider crisis in West Asia, including developments involving Lebanon and Iran.

They opposed military intervention and policies aimed at regime change in the region. The groups also called for independent international investigations into attacks on civilians, including an alleged strike on a girls’ primary school in Minab, Iran.

The signatories further urged BRICS countries to stop supplying arms, military technology and other assistance that they said could contribute to violations of international law.

The appeal specifically called on BRICS members from the West Asian and Arab region, including Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, to use their influence to build a common position supporting Palestinian rights and opposing further militarisation.

India’s role as host and chair of the 2026 BRICS Summit was also highlighted. The organisations referred to India’s longstanding support for Palestinian self determination and urged the government to ensure that its foreign policy reflects the country’s commitment to international peace, security and respect for international law.

The groups said BRICS countries, which together represent nearly half of the world’s population, have significant political and economic influence and should use it to promote accountability and a lasting political solution.

They said such a settlement should be based on equality, freedom, self determination and an end to occupation.

With the summit being held in New Delhi, the signatories urged BRICS leaders to make a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza and an end to Israeli military operations, settler violence and forced displacement in the West Bank key priorities.

They said the summit would provide an opportunity for BRICS to demonstrate that its growing international influence can be translated into meaningful action for peace, accountability and civilian protection across Palestine and the wider West Asian region.

The signatories include veteran journalist and human rights defender Dr John Dayal, Dr Ranjan Solomon, Maimoona Mollah, Vineet Tiwari, Dr Joycia Thorat, Sister Liza Advocate, Anastasia Gill, Shalini Merrill, Dr Jaya Mehta, Bhavna Sharma and Ishu.