Wednesday, 27 May 2026
In one summit declaration, the 11-member bloc urged negotiators to swiftly end Israel’s 22-month-long war in Gaza. / Reuters
BRICS urges Gaza ceasefire, denounces strikes on Iran, and criticizes Trump’s tariff threats
Gathered in Brazil, BRICS leaders have strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, recent military strikes on Iran and Syria, and US President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, according to TRT Global.
Initially launched as a forum for rapidly developing nations, BRICS has evolved into a coalition increasingly viewed as a China-led counterweight to Western influence. This year's summit features Iran alongside established members like Russia and China—nations known for their strong ties to Tehran. The group’s expansion, with the inclusion of countries like Iran and Indonesia, has complicated consensus on contentious issues such as Gaza and institutional reform. Nevertheless, the 11-member alliance has managed to reach unified positions on several major topics, as evidenced by weekend declarations.
Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
In a joint summit declaration, BRICS called for an immediate end to Israel’s 22-month-long conflict in Gaza.
“We urge all parties to participate in good faith in further negotiations aimed at reaching an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire,” the final communiqué of the 11-nation bloc stated.
The alliance further demanded a “complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and all areas of the occupied Palestinian Territories.” This statement coincided with renewed truce negotiations in Doha between Israel and Hamas, amid mounting calls to halt a war that has claimed at least 57,418 Palestinian lives in Gaza as it enters its 21st month.
Backing Iran and Condemning Military Strikes
In a separate statement, BRICS rallied behind Iran, condemning recent Israeli and US strikes targeting military, nuclear, and other sites.
“We denounce the military attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025, which violate international law,” leaders declared in a summit statement, pointedly omitting direct mention of the United States or Israel.
“We also express grave concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities,” the statement added.
The bloc further denounced acts of terrorism in Syria, condemned Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory, and welcomed the lifting of unilateral sanctions against Damascus.
Trade Policy and Tariffs
BRICS leaders also addressed global trade, expressing deep concern over the US president’s escalating tariff threats. They criticized “the increasing use of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade and contravene WTO rules,” warning that such actions threaten to disrupt global supply chains and amplify economic uncertainty.
Describing these tariffs as arbitrary and illegal, BRICS cautioned that they would “further shrink global trade, disrupt supply chains, and inject instability into the international economy and trading system.”
Comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members including Iran, the bloc represents nearly half of the world’s population and accounts for 40 per cent of global economic output. While internal divisions remain, BRICS members have found common ground in their criticism of President Trump and his volatile tariff policies.