US unilateralism and double standards have been criticized during a virtual Brics meeting on the Gaza crisis. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, accused the US of undermining peace in the Middle East by monopolizing diplomacy in its self-interest. He highlighted the deaths of thousands of people, mass displacement of civilians, and the humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded as deeply disturbing.

Arab foreign ministers, meanwhile, are seeking support for a new UN resolution mandating a full ceasefire and addressing breaches of international humanitarian law. They are challenging the US to not use its veto power to protect Israel. The Arab ministers have sought support from China and Russia, criticizing the US for sidelining other members of the Middle East Quartet.

Other countries attending the meeting include Brazil, India, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the strength of the expanded Brics group as a rival to the Western G7 nations. The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, called for an immediate ceasefire and stressed the long-ignored rights of the Palestinian people. The eventual joint statement of the meeting called on Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and warned against the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.