The G20 leaders have backed a “comprehensive” cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon, and welcomed all “constructive” initiatives to end the Ukraine war and achieve “durable” peace.

Expressing “deep concern” about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian coastal enclave, the G20 leaders, in a joint declaration after their meeting in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, extended their “united” support to a cease-fire in Gaza, as well as in Lebanon, that would enable citizens to return safely to their homes.

Brazil has been hosting a two-day annual summit of G20 leaders since Monday.

“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 joint declaration said.

The statement assumes significance as the Israeli genocide in Gaza entered its second year last month and Tel Aviv has expanded its war to Lebanon.

Highlighting the human suffering and negative impacts of the war, the G20 leaders affirmed the Palestinian right to self-determination.                                             …/2…

“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 UN resolutions,” the declaration said.

As the Russia-Ukraine war surpassed 1,000 days since February 2022, the G20 leaders highlighted the human suffering and “negative added impacts” of the war on global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation, and growth.

However, the leaders welcomed 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 neighbourly relations among nations.”

While recommitting to advancing a world free of nuclear weapons, the G20 leaders recognized that the climate change crises affect the world, “disproportionally burdening the poorest and those already in vulnerable situations.”

“The G20 is well suited to address those challenges through much needed international cooperation and political drive,” said the declaration.

The G20 leaders also called for an enlarged UN Security Council that improves the representation of the underrepresented and unrepresented regions and groups.