BRICS Foreign Ministers Support Palestinian Statehood with East Jerusalem as Capital
BRICS members agree on ‘independent’ State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as capital
The Hindu
Image: The Hindu
During the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting on May 15, 2026, members reaffirmed their commitment to establishing an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, within pre-1967 borders. However, disagreements arose among members, particularly between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, preventing a unified Joint Statement.
- 01The Chair’s Statement emphasized support for Palestine's full UN membership and a two-state solution, recognizing the Gaza Strip and West Bank as part of Palestinian territory.
- 02Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi criticized the UAE for its support of Israel, suggesting it obstructed Palestinian interests.
- 03The document called for unifying the Gaza Strip and West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, highlighting the need for governance change in Gaza.
- 04Disagreements over the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz were noted, with Iran asserting its territorial rights against US influence.
- 05Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov assured India of continued energy supplies and discussed cooperation on regional transport and nuclear energy.
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At the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting held on May 15, 2026, the member nations reiterated their support for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital, within the pre-1967 borders. The Chair’s Statement highlighted the importance of Palestine's full membership in the United Nations and underscored the commitment to a two-state solution based on international law. While the consensus on Palestinian statehood was clear, significant disagreements emerged, particularly between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi publicly criticized the UAE for its perceived complicity with Israel, suggesting that it obstructed progress for Palestine. The discussions also addressed the need to unify the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, with a focus on changing governance in Gaza. Additionally, maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz were a point of contention, with Iran asserting its territorial claims and blaming the United States for ongoing conflicts. The meeting concluded without a Joint Statement, reflecting the divisions among member states.
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The reaffirmation of support for Palestinian statehood may influence regional dynamics and peace efforts, potentially affecting local populations in both Israel and Palestine.
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