ISTANBUL 

The BRICS countries condemned the attacks on Iran, terrorism in Syria, and Israel's occupation of Syrian territory, and called Gaza an "inseparable" part of Palestine.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the group called military strikes against Iran a violation of international law and the UN Charter.

“We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since June 13, 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East,” the joint declaration read.

The statement also emphasized the necessity to uphold nuclear safeguards and security to protect people and the environment, expressing concern over the attacks against “civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”​​​​​​​

“In this context, we reiterate our support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at addressing regional challenges. We call upon the United Nations Security Council to be seized of this matter,” the statement read.

A conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites, killing at least 935 people. The Iranian Health Ministry said 5,332 people were injured.

Tehran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes, killing at least 29 people and wounding more than 3,400, according to figures released by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The conflict ended with a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on June 24.

- Terrorist violence in Syria, Israeli occupation condemned

BRICS countries condemned terrorist violence in Syria and the Israeli occupation of Syrian territory while welcoming the lifting of unilateral sanctions on Damascus.

"We condemn the violence perpetrated in various Syrian provinces," the statement said, referring to attacks by ISIS (Daesh) and Al-Qaeda, including the recent attack on the Mar Elias Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus that killed 25.

The bloc "strongly" condemned Israel's occupation of Syrian territory, calling it a "blatant violation of international law and the 1974 disengagement," and urged Israel to "withdraw its forces from the Syrian territory without delay."

BRICS welcomed sanctions relief, saying the group member countries "hope that this will support efforts to revive the Syrian economy and launch the reconstruction phase."

Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly a quarter century, fled to Russia on Dec. 8, 2024, marking the end of the Baath Party’s decades-long rule, which began in 1963.

Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led anti-regime forces that ousted Assad, was declared president for a transitional period in late January.

- BRICS declares Gaza 'inseparable' part of Palestine

The group declared the Gaza Strip an "inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory" and stressed the need to unify the West Bank and Gaza under Palestinian Authority control.

The declaration reaffirmed "the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine."

The countries expressed “grave concern” over Israel's ongoing attacks and the blocking of humanitarian aid, and condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

"We urge the parties to engage in good faith in further negotiations to achieve an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and all other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the release of all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law, and sustained and unhindered access and delivery of humanitarian aid," the BRICS countries said.

The statement emphasized that Palestinians must play a central role in the reconstruction of Palestine and expressed opposition to any policy that would lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians or any demographic changes in the region.

The bloc also expressed its support for the full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations and its “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution.

Israel continues its war on Gaza, where more than 57,400 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, since October 2023.

- 'Deep concern' over unilateral tariffs

The joint declaration stated that trade restrictive actions such as tariffs and protectionism “reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities,” bringing the multilateral trading system to a crossroads.

"We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” the statement read.

To combat these, the joint declaration reiterated its support for a rules-based, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system supported by the World Trade Organization, which “remains the only multilateral institution with the necessary mandate, expertise, universal reach, and capacity” for such a role.

This comes in the context of US President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on various countries.

Various tariff negotiations are ongoing as countries seek better trade deals with the world's biggest economy as the deadline of July 9 nears, with Trump stating he has no plans to extend the timeframe.