Leaders of the BRICS countries are set to convene an emergency virtual conference on November 21 to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will preside over the meeting as the country currently holds the rotating presidency of BRICS.

The meeting, scheduled for November 21, will be attended by the presidents of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, who have been invited to join the BRICS summit as part of the "BRICS Plus" initiative.

The South African president's office said in a statement that the meeting aims to "express solidarity with the people of Palestine and to explore ways of ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region."

The statement added that the meeting will also address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 13,3000 people were killed and thousands injured in the israeli bombardment.

The meeting will be opened by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be followed by statements from the representatives of the BRICS countries and the invited states.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will also participate in the meeting, which is expected to issue a joint statement at the end. (ILKHA)