In their final communiqué following a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Rio de Janeiro, the bloc called for the continuation of negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The ministers expressed their “regret over the failure of the ceasefire agreement announced on January 15” and urged all parties to “engage in future negotiations in good faith to establish a permanent cessation of hostilities, ensure the withdrawal of all Israeli military forces from Gaza, and secure the release of all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law.”

They also voiced “deep concern” over the suspension of humanitarian aid into Gaza and called for its immediate and unhindered resumption.

The BRICS ministers reaffirmed that “a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through peaceful means and will depend directly on the fulfillment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the right of return.”