Singapore, at G20 meeting, says it supports immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza

The situation in Gaza was a key focus for foreign ministers meeting in Brazil, with G20 nations broadly backing a two-state solution to the conflict.

More than four months into Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip, the Group of 20 leading economies voiced “virtual unanimity for the two-state solution as the only possible solution” to the crisis, Brazil’s top diplomat Mauro Vieira told journalists.

The meeting also touched on Russia’s war in Ukraine – which enters its third year on Saturday – and the need to reform global institutions like the United Nations, which have struggled to respond to mounting conflicts, crises and polarisation.

Mr Vieira said “various countries” had reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s invasion. But there was little sign of diplomatic progress.

Calling the current geopolitical landscape “very worrying”, Dr Maliki said countries should avoid returning to the Cold War where the world was split, warning that the relations between major powers have political and economic implications.  

“Comprising major players from all regions, the G20 under Brazil’s leadership needs to demonstrate that it is able to work collectively to galvanise support and build consensus towards de-escalating tensions around the world,” he said. 

“This includes urging all parties to refrain from taking actions that may have dire, unintended long-term consequences.”

He added that countries, especially those with the most influence, must be open to negotiations with support from the rest of the international community, and that the outcomes of such negotiations must be based on international law.