G20 declaration condemns wars in Gaza and Ukraine
The final declaration of the G20 Leaders’ Summit was released Monday afternoon (Nov. 18), the first day of meetings of heads of state and government in Rio de Janeiro, and contains direct criticism of Israel’s ongoing wars in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian territory, and Lebanon, as well as the conflict in Ukraine, which is suffering a military invasion by Russia.
“While expressing our deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalation in Lebanon, we emphasize the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians and demand the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale. We highlight the human suffering and negative impacts of the war. 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 within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant [United Nations] resolutions,” the text reads.
The leaders of the world’s richest countries also call for a “comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza” and also in Lebanon, citing a UN Security Council resolution. On the situation in Ukraine, the declaration mentions the ongoing human suffering and the impacts this war is having on global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation, and growth. The text also cites efforts for a negotiated solution to end the war.
“We welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace, upholding all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighborly relations among nations,” the document states.
The G20 leaders’ declaration also talks about “advancing the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons” and greater global security.
Considered the main forum for international economic cooperation, made up of 19 countries and Turkey and two regional bodies (the African Union and the European Union), the G20 was chaired this year by the Brazilian government, which will pass on temporary command of the group to South Africa. The summit of heads of state and government, which began Monday, continues on Tuesday (19) in Rio de Janeiro.
