G20 LEADERS URGE COMPREHENSIVE CEASEFIRE AND EXPANDED HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR GAZA

By M Saraswathi

RIO DE JANEIRO (Brazil), Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The G20 leaders, meeting in Rio de Janeiro, have voiced profound concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalating tensions in Lebanon.

In a decisive statement, they emphasised the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian aid, ensure the protection of civilians, and remove all barriers hindering the large-scale provision of assistance.

"While expressing our deep concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the escalation in Lebanon, we emphasise 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," they declared.

The leaders underscored the dire human suffering and the broader adverse consequences of the ongoing conflict.

They reaffirmed the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and reiterated their "unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution.”

United in their appeal for peace, the G20 called for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735, as well as in Lebanon, to allow citizens on both sides of the Blue Line to return safely to their homes.

The declaration reflects the group's firm commitment to fostering international cooperation and ensuring that humanitarian and peacebuilding efforts remain a global priority.

The Leaders of the G20, met in Rio de Janeiro on Nov 18-19, 2024 to address major global challenges and crises and promote strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.

The declaration reaffirmed the group’s commitment to fostering strong, inclusive, and balanced growth while ensuring no one is left behind.

The declaration also highlighted the slow progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with many targets falling behind or regressing.

In response, initiatives such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty were launched to accelerate efforts in eradicating hunger and poverty.

Climate action remained a focal point, with the G20 reiterating commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, tripling renewable energy capacity, and increasing energy efficiency.

Financial support for developing nations to achieve these goals was also emphasised.

Global governance reform was a key topic, with calls to modernise institutions like the United Nations Security Council and multilateral development banks to ensure they reflect contemporary realities and better address emerging challenges.

Digital and technological advancement featured prominently, with leaders pledging to bridge digital divides, promote responsible artificial intelligence, and tackle issues such as misinformation and online harm while ensuring inclusive access to digital technologies.

Inclusivity and equity were central themes, with the African Union welcomed as a G20 member and significant emphasis placed on gender equality, social inclusion, and empowering vulnerable groups.

The declaration concluded with a commitment to sustaining multilateral efforts, strengthening partnerships, and advancing these priorities under future presidencies, including South Africa in 2025.

Under the Brazilian Presidency, the G20 in 2024 focused on the theme, 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet'.

-- BERNAMA