Brics has declared the Gaza Strip an “inseparable part of the occupied Palestinian Territory” and stressed the need to unify the West Bank and Gaza under Palestinian Authority control, Anadolu Agency reports.

The declaration reaffirmed “the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine.”

The countries expressed “grave concern” over Israel’s ongoing attacks and the blocking of humanitarian aid, and condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

“We urge the parties to engage in good faith in further negotiations to achieve an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and all other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the release of all hostages and detainees held in violation of international law, and sustained and unhindered access and delivery of humanitarian aid,” the Brics countries said.

The bloc also expressed its support for the full membership of the State of Palestine in the United Nations and its “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution.