At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, the leaders of the world’s largest economies issued a strong call for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.
The joint communique, reflecting deep concern over the catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip and the escalating tensions in Lebanon, emphasised the immediate need to expand humanitarian aid and ensure the protection of civilians affected by the conflict.
The G20 leaders specifically referred to the challenges posed by the ongoing blockade and other barriers that hinder the effective delivery of aid to Gaza. They called for the lifting of all such obstacles to ensure that assistance could reach those most in need, stressing that the provision of humanitarian aid must be scaled up significantly. The leaders also highlighted the broader, devastating impacts of the war, not only on the people of Gaza and Lebanon but on regional stability and global peace.
A core element of the communique was the reaffirmation of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the unwavering commitment of the G20 to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
"Affirming the Palestinian right to self-determination, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution where Israel and a Palestinian State live side by side in peace," the declaration said.
The leaders voiced their support for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735, as well as in Lebanon. This ceasefire would enable citizens to return to their homes safely, especially in areas along the Blue Line that demarcates the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon.
US President Joe Biden, meanwhile, asked fellow G20 leaders to intensify pressure on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire, even as he pledged to continue pushing for a resolution in the final weeks of his presidency before Donald Trump returns to the White House. "I ask everyone here to increase their pressure on Hamas, which is currently refusing this deal," Biden said in his opening address at the summit. He also asked Israel to take greater measures to minimise civilian casualties in Gaza.
The G20's unified call underscores the growing international consensus on the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities to address the humanitarian crisis and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.