G20 leaders call for ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon as their support for Israel blasted

The leaders of the world's 20 richest economies have called for “comprehensive” ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, amid escalating violence perpetrated by the Israeli regime against civilians in these regions.

The G20 nations issued a joint statement on Monday during their meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, urging for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The leaders raised alarm over the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and rising tensions in Lebanon, calling for an immediate ceasefire to enable civilians to return safely to their homes.

“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,” the declaration said.

The G20 leaders supported "the Palestinian right to self-determination," while highlighting the human suffering and negative impacts of the war.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro to denounce the genocide in Gaza and support for Israel by the G20 countries which are holding a two-day summit.

"So we are here to denounce the main financiers and organizers of the Palestinian genocide here at the G20 and G7 meeting where Canada, United States, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom gathered, the countries that send the money, send the bombs, send the bullet" to Israel, said one of the demonstrators.

Russia-Ukraine crisis

Amidst the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war that has surpassed 1,000 days since February 2022, the G20 leaders acknowledged the far-reaching consequences of the conflict on global food and energy security, supply chains, financial stability, inflation, and economic growth.

In a bid to address these challenges, the leaders welcomed all constructive initiatives aimed at achieving a just and durable peace while upholding the principles of the UN Charter for fostering peaceful relations among nations.

G20 leaders call for overhaul of global governance system

Furthermore, the statement emphasized the significance of enhancing the UN General Assembly's (UNGA) role, highlighting the necessity to reinforce its position as the primary deliberative, policymaking, and representative body within the United Nations.

"We call for an enlarged Security Council composition that improves the representation of underrepresented and unrepresented regions and groups, such as Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean," G20 leaders said on the matter.

“We pledge to reform the Security Council through a transformative reform that aligns it with the realities and demands of the 21st century, makes it more representative, inclusive, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable, and more transparent,” the declaration said.

It also highlighted the need for the role of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean toward the goal.

The recent statement comes as the Israeli genocide in Gaza has entered its second year, with hostilities now further extending into Lebanon.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 43,922 Palestinians and wounded 103,898 others since October 7, 2023.

In Lebanon, at least 3,516 people have been killed and 14,929 wounded in Israeli attacks since the war on Gaza began.

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