In a significant geopolitical move, Palestine has officially applied to join the BRICS alliance of emerging economies. According to Ambassador Abdel Hafiz Nofal, Palestine’s application reflects a calculated move toward the “Global South” as global recognition mounts. Yet BRICS’ rising sway, paired with Israel’s denunciations, is intensifying the strain.
What is BRICS and Why Does Palestine Want to Join?
BRICS, an acronym originally representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has transformed into a powerful coalition championing a multipolar world order—one less dominated by Western nations and institutions like the United States and the IMF.
With the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, as well as Indonesia in 2025, the group has recently experienced substantial growth.
For Palestine, membership in BRICS is about more than economics; it is a quest for diplomatic legitimacy. By joining a coalition that includes influential players like China and India, Palestine could reinforce its international standing, embedding itself in a platform positioned as an alternative to Western dominance.
What Did the Palestinian Ambassador Say?
Abdel Hafiz Nofal, the ambassador of Palestine, told Russian media about the application’s specifics. “We have submitted an application, but, as you know, Palestine has certain conditions,” Nofal stated. He outlined a potential phased approach: “I believe Palestine will participate in the association as a guest until the conditions allow it to become a full member. We haven’t received a response yet.”
This statement suggests that Palestinian diplomacy is aware of the complexities involved. Palestine would be able to participate in the bloc’s deliberations and garner support from other member states by acting as a “guest” without having to meet the immediate conditions of full membership.
What Changed Recently?
Palestine’s BRICS bid does not occur in a vacuum. It comes on the heels of a symbolic wave of recognitions at the United Nations General Assembly. The United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada, and Australia are among the nations that have lately acknowledged Palestine as a state under the UN system. Despite being primarily symbolic, this coordinated
The Israeli reaction was swift and sharp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognitions, telling the assembly that Israel would not accept a “terrorist state to be shoved down its throat.” With Palestine increasingly finding a sympathetic audience outside of its conventional diplomatic channels, this glaring disparity underscores the widening international divide over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
How Has the BRICS Bloc Reacted So Far?
One important member has already expressed support, but the full BRICS group has not yet issued a formal answer. China, one of the original BRICS countries and a permanent member of the UN Security Council, praised Palestine’s appeal. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized the bloc’s open-door policy to “like-minded partners.”
“BRICS is an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries and a source of strong impetus for multi-polarity and greater democracy in international relations,” Guo said. “The platform is widely recognised by Global South countries. We welcome more like-minded partners to join BRICS cooperation and collectively work for a more just and equitable international order.” China’s support is an important first indication, but since BRICS decisions are made by consensus, all members must concur.
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What Are the Potential Implications of This Move?
Palestine has adopted a complex diplomatic approach in its application to BRICS. If successful, even as a guest, it would:
Enhance Legitimacy: Make Palestine a more powerful, independent state on the world stage.
Shift Geopolitical Alignments: Establish a formal strategic alliance with the China-Russia axis in the Global South, further separating its cause from the mostly stagnant peace efforts mediated by the West.
Challenge Israel: Present a direct counter to Israel’s efforts to isolate Palestine diplomatically and economically.
However, the path is fraught with challenges. BRICS members have diverse foreign policies and relationships with Israel. Reaching agreement across the bloc—India and Brazil included—will test diplomatic finesse due to their layered ties with Israel.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TDG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
