Why in News?
The recent BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi reaffirmed support for the creation of an independent and viable State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
However, the meeting failed to produce a formal Joint Statement due to differences among member countries over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia, especially the Iran-Israel-U.S. tensions.
| UPSC Relevance: GS-2 International Relations: International Organisations, West Asia Prelims: Israel-Palestine Issue: Two-state solution |
Major Highlights:
- The BRICS foreign ministers reaffirmed:
- Support for a two-state solution.
- Recognition of Palestine within the internationally recognised 1967 borders.
- Support for East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
- Backing for full UN membership for Palestine.
- Need for Gaza and the West Bank to remain an inseparable part of Palestinian territory.
- The statement emphasised that Palestine and Israel should co-exist side by side in peace and security in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. The formulation closely follows earlier international diplomatic frameworks, including the UN Security Council Resolutions, UN General Assembly resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
What is the Two-State Solution?
- The Two-State Solution refers to the proposal for an independent State of Israel and an independent State of Palestine coexisting peacefully side by side.
- The proposed Palestinian state would include the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem (as capital).
What are the 1967 Borders?
- The phrase refers to the boundaries existing before the 1967 Six-Day War.
- During the war, Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula.
- The internationally discussed peace formula broadly supports Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories captured in 1967 in exchange for peace and recognition.
Why is East Jerusalem Important?
- Religious Importance: East Jerusalem contains Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall. It is sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians.
- Political Importance: Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Israel considers Jerusalem its “undivided capital.” This remains one of the most contentious issues in the conflict.
India’s Position on Palestine:
- India traditionally supported the Palestinian cause and was among the first non-Arab countries to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
- At the same time, India has significantly deepened ties with Israel in Defence, Agriculture, Technology and Counter-terrorism.
The BRICS foreign ministers’ reaffirmation of support for an independent Palestinian state reflects continued global backing for the two-state solution despite worsening regional tensions.
At the same time, the inability of BRICS to issue a joint statement exposes the internal geopolitical divisions within the expanded grouping.
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