Leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) have called for comprehensive ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, urging adherence to United Nations Security Council resolutions to address escalating conflicts in the regions. The joint declaration came at the conclusion of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, where the world’s largest economies convened to discuss pressing global issues.
Expressing “deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalation in Lebanon,” the G20 leaders emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and expand humanitarian aid in the affected areas. The statement underscored the importance of international efforts to mitigate suffering and restore stability.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the “vision of the two-state solution,” advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This long-standing framework envisions the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel as a means to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The call for ceasefires comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and displaced, and rising tensions in Lebanon, further complicating the humanitarian and political landscape. International aid organizations have repeatedly warned of dire conditions in these areas, urging global powers to intervene and facilitate relief efforts.
Ukraine Crisis Also Addressed
In addition to Middle East conflicts, the G20 addressed the war in Ukraine, welcoming initiatives aimed at fostering a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.” While the declaration did not single out specific proposals, it reflected a broad consensus among member states on the need for diplomatic solutions to end the ongoing conflict, which has caused widespread devastation and geopolitical tension.
The statement marked a significant moment of unity in a forum often divided over global issues. However, differences among member states remain, particularly on the framing of resolutions and strategies to address these crises. The G20’s Rio summit highlighted the group’s expanding focus on geopolitical and humanitarian challenges, alongside its traditional emphasis on economic collaboration.
Broader Summit Outcomes
The Rio de Janeiro summit, hosted by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, also featured discussions on global economic recovery, climate change, and sustainable development. Leaders reaffirmed commitments to multilateralism and international cooperation as critical tools for addressing both global conflicts and economic challenges.
The declaration from the summit is seen as a collective push by the G20 to address some of the most pressing humanitarian and geopolitical crises of 2024, signaling a growing recognition of the group’s role beyond economic governance.
