New Delhi, Sept. 12 (SANA)BRICSleaders on Saturday reaffirmed that a just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must be achieved peacefully and uphold the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including self-determination and return.

In the New Delhi Declaration, unanimously adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit under India’s chairmanship, the leaders called for Palestine to be appropriately represented in relevant international organizations, including multilateral financial institutions, and to have access to their resources, WAFA reported. They also renewed their support for granting Palestine full UN membership.

The declaration backed a two-state solution based on international law, relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. It supported establishing a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state along the internationally recognized 1967 borders, encompassing the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living alongside Israel in peace and security.

Regarding Gaza, the leaders referred to UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and called for the implementation of all relevant UN resolutions. They urged all parties to maintain the ceasefire reached in October 2025 and ensure the full and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, voicing grave concern over continued attacks in the territory.

The leaders firmly rejected the temporary or permanent forced displacement of Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territory under any pretext, as well as any geographic or demographic changes in Gaza. They also opposed arrangements that could undermine Palestinian rights or legitimize or prolong the occupation.

The declaration stressed that international law and international judicial rulings require an end to the unlawful occupation and the immediate cessation of practices that violate legal norms and obstruct a just and lasting peace.

Expressing grave concern over the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly Gaza, the leaders demanded compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. They condemned attacks on civilians, healthcare facilities and other civilian infrastructure, the use of starvation as a method of warfare, the unlawful obstruction of aid, and attempts to politicize or militarize humanitarian assistance.

BRICS also renewed its firm support for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), calling for full respect for its UN-mandated role in providing essential services to Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation.

On occupied Jerusalem, the leaders rejected unilateral measures seeking to alter the city’s legal and historical status. They called for respect for all holy sites and for unrestricted access to worshippers.

The declaration also emphasized preventing conflicts, addressing their root causes and resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.

The summit is being held in New Delhi on Sept. 12 and 13 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding.