New Israeli offensive in the State of Palestine

The Government of Brazil condemns in the strongest terms the launch of a new Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, involving intensified aerial bombardment and expanded ground operations that, in recent days, have caused the deaths of more than 300 Palestinians, among them women and children, and forced the displacement of over 60,000 people.

While deploring the statement by the Prime Minister of Israel that the country will “take control” of the entire Gaza Strip, Brazil recalls that any claim to exercise permanent authority over occupied territory is incompatible with the norms of international law. Brazil further reaffirms that the only legitimate and lasting solution to the conflict lies in the definitive implementation of the two-State solution.

Subjected for more than two months to a complete blockade, the Strip now faces the imminent risk of widespread famine. Brazil expresses grave concern at Israel’s declared intention to admit only minimal quantities of food and medicine into Gaza, and recalls that the use of starvation as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime.

Brazil calls on the Government of Israel to grant immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to the territory, in accordance with its obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and reiterates its appeal for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of the remaining hostages.