Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing a virtual BRICS summit on Tuesday, called for a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Putin suggested that regional states and members of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, could play a role in efforts to reach a settlement.
In his televised comments, Putin reiterated his view that the Middle East crisis is a result of the failure of U.S. diplomacy in the region. He urged joint efforts from the international community to de-escalate the situation, establish a ceasefire, and find a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. According to Putin, the BRICS states and countries in the region could contribute significantly to this endeavor.
While Putin did not provide specific details on how such efforts would be organized, his proposal aligns with the BRICS group’s objective of fostering cooperation among major emerging economies. The BRICS summit in August agreed to expand its membership by including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.
Putin’s involvement in the Gaza crisis is viewed by Russian and Western policy experts as part of a broader geopolitical strategy to strengthen alliances in developing countries and challenge U.S. dominance. Putin has consistently criticized U.S. policy, advocated for Israel to exercise restraint, and expressed sympathy for the plight of Palestinians.
In a recent warning to Israel, Putin cautioned against laying siege to Gaza, drawing historical parallels with the Nazi siege of Leningrad during World War Two. He emphasized the potential for “absolutely unacceptable” civilian casualties in the event of a ground offensive.
During Tuesday’s summit, Putin expressed concern over the high number of Palestinian children dying and criticized the lack of anaesthetics during medical procedures. He attributed the ongoing crisis to the sabotage of U.N. decisions that aimed at establishing two independent and sovereign states – Israel and Palestine. Putin suggested that generations of Palestinians have grown up in an atmosphere of injustice, while Israelis struggle to fully guarantee the security of their state.
Putin’s call for BRICS involvement in the political settlement underscores the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the Gaza conflict. As discussions continue, the international community navigates various perspectives and strategies to address the underlying issues and promote a lasting resolution in the region.
