an extraordinary summit on the situation in the Middle East

Contents

Very diverse positions around the conflict
South Africa criticizes Israel

The Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) do not intend to sit idly by what is happening in the Gaza Strip: they have decided to organize a virtual meeting on Tuesday to discuss the conflict. An extraordinary summit under the leadership of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the Brics.

Published on: 11/20/2023 – 11:55 p.m.

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United to denounce an international order that they consider dominated by the West. The five Brics countries will discuss together during this virtual meeting the ongoing conflict: a war which is widening a gap between Southern countries and Western countries, the latter being criticized for their positions considered too favorable to Israel. China and Russia can thus hope to benefit from all the accusations from their great American rival and its allies.

South Africa will chair this online meeting, while the six countries also invited are must join the group on January 1, namely Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as well as UN Secretary-General António Guterres. A very heterogeneous group, which hopes to find a common position, despite divergent opinions, reports our correspondent in Johannesburg, Claire Bargelès.

Very diverse positions around the conflict

Because the five Brics certainly have their differences: China wishes to present itself as a possible mediator, and Russia, whose Kremlin confirmed Vladimir Putin’s participation in this meeting, is using war to attack American supremacy.

The India of Narendra Modi, for its part, has woven close ties with Israel, and recently condemned civilian casualties in Gaza. India and Ethiopia also abstained from the UN General Assembly vote in favor of humanitarian truces.

South Africa criticizes Israel

Conversely, South Africa is increasing its critical positions towards Israel, notably requesting the opening of an investigation by the International Criminal Court. The subject is particularly relevant at the heart of his governmentvery vocal since the start of the war to denounce what he describes as ” atrocities » committed in the Gaza Strip, the ruling ANC having always embraced the Palestinian cause.

Pretoria also recalled his diplomatic staff stationed in Tel Aviv, while this Monday, the Hebrew State also recalled its ambassador stationed in Pretoria, to “ consultations “. The ANC supports the closure of the Israeli embassy in Pretoria. The country is also one of the states which have filed a request before the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take up the Gaza case, hoping for an arrest warrant against the Israeli. Prime Minister.

It therefore remains to be seen what the content of the joint declaration which should be adopted at the end of this meeting will be. The five Brics countries (before enlargement) will in any case have the possibility of meeting the next day, in a less restricted circle, since they must participate in the virtual G20 summit scheduled for this Wednesday.

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