Actions toward a cessation of hostilities in Gaza

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hosted a meeting today with the ambassador of Palestine in Brasília, Ibrahim Alzeben, to discuss the situation of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, after more than three months of the ongoing crisis.

President Lula recalled Brazil's prompt condemnation of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Hamas. However, he reaffirmed that those acts do not justify Israel's indiscriminate, recurring and disproportionate use of force against civilians.

More than 23,000 people have been killed, 70% of whom are women and children; 7,000 people are missing and more than 80% of the population has suffered forced transfer. In addition, health, water, energy and food supply systems have collapsed, which is a form of collective punishment.

The president highlighted his personal efforts made with several heads of State and Government towards a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas and the creation of humanitarian corridors to protect civilians. He also highlighted Brazil's tireless role in holding the presidency of the Security Council in favor of a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

In light of the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, the president expressed his support for South Africa's initiative to call on the International Court of Justice to order Israel to immediately cease all acts and measures that may constitute genocide or related crimes under the terms of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The Brazilian government reaffirms its support for a two-State solution, with an economically viable Palestinian State living side by side with Israel, in peace and safety, within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders, including the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and with East Jerusalem as its capital.