Statement by the Minister Mauro Vieira at the Security Council High Level Debate on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

Mr. President,

I thank the Chinese Presidency for elevating this meeting on the situation in the Middle East to a High-Level Event. The matter is of utmost importance and urgency to Brazil, of which is example the current official visit of President Lula to Saudi Arabia and Qatar where he is exchanging views with the main stakeholders on the situation in the region.

As we convene today, on the International Day of the Solidarity with the Palestinian People, we are compelled to acknowledge that the time is not for commemoration.

After hearing the Secretary-General António Guterres and Special Coordinator Thor Wennesland on the unprecedented horror taking place in Gaza, after the terror attack of October 7th and the 48 consecutive days of unrelenting bombardments that followed it, solidarity is certainly not the first word that comes to anyone’s mind.

Solidarity implies unity.

And, in the Security Council, we too have to stand in unity and solidarity for all those in need.

The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question, is, however, one of the most vetoed matters of the Security Council.

Such record is an unfortunate testament to the fact that more often than not disagreements triumph over common interest in this body. 

Yet the conflict in the Middle East has not disappeared, as we have been failing to see eye to eye in the Security Council. Much to the contrary, we have continuously heard reports of actions that have been undermining the viability of a Palestinian state and the fulfillment of the General Assembly Resolution 181 (II) of 1947 on the establishment of two States, living side by side in peace and security, within mutually accepted and internationally recognized borders.

The worsening situation in the past years between Israel and Palestine has not compelled us to unite and take action towards the shared goal of achieving peace to the Palestinians, the Israelis, and the people in the Middle East at large.

As we are now appalled by the spiral of violence and the intolerable loss of innocent lives, both in Israel and Palestine, and as we worry at the very concrete possibility of a regional spillover, we have to hold the Security Council accountable too, in its main obligation to uphold international peace and security.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,

What is worse: we did not unite in the past. And we do not seem to be ready to unite now.

The Gaza Strip is grappling with unacceptable levels of violence. More than five thousand children have perished. We have heard Catherine Russell, Director of UNICEF, state unequivocally that "the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child".

The number of civilian lives lost exceeds 14 thousand. The plight of women, particularly pregnant women, in Gaza, is deeply disturbing.

The displacement figures are staggering, reaching nearly 1.7 million people, or 80% of Gaza's population.

An estimated number of 41,000 houses were destroyed or severely damaged. A total of 18 hospitals were shut down. The number of trucks with humanitarian assistance is utterly insufficient to attend the basic needs of the population, such as food, water, medicine, and fuel.

Alleged violations of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law continue as civilian infrastructure are destroyed.

The alarming death toll of over one hundred UN staff members is a tragic record in history.

In this light, Mr. President, this Council and the international community must join forces to ensure the end of violence, as well as to grant unhindered, sustainable, and predictable humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We also stand unequivocally in solidarity with the Israeli families, whose innocent members were made hostages.

In this light, Brazil welcomes the release of 74 hostages in the past days. However, 167 individuals are still held captive. We share their pain and the unbearable suffering of their families. We cannot bear the idea of children taken from their families, under no circumstances and without any justification.

This is why we reiterate our call for the safe and unconditional liberation of all innocent people.

Brazil welcomes the recent truce deal between the parties, achieved through the mediation of Qatar and supported by Egypt and the United States.

Although contingent and temporary, halting hostilities and facilitating the release of numerous captives is a sign that agreement is possible, even when it seems unreachable and unattainable.

While acknowledging the efforts of the mediators of this encouraging diplomatic development, Brazil also welcomes the news of the extension of the truce for another two days.

Violence, terror, and forceful measures only breed hatred and fuel a never-ending cycle of hostilities.

We, therefore, urge all parties to cling to this spark of hope and encourage them to uphold this vital agreement.

Mr. President,

The truce is a first step towards a de-escalation of violence. It should encourage us to overcome differences and cooperate ambitiously.

While recognizing the relevance of the Security Council Resolution 2712(2023) and its call for humanitarian pauses and corridors in Gaza, Brazil is of the view that this Council must do more. It must unite to adopt a more decisive and comprehensive course of action that can consolidate gains; sustainably and predictably address the dire situation on the ground; and foster a safer and more hopeful future.

Echoing President Lula's recent remarks on the matter, we very much hope that this agreement on a short humanitarian truce – a modest sign of hope amidst an appalling human tragedy – can show a way to peace and lay the groundwork for the resumption of the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

In this endeavor, we must not lose sight of the need to address the root causes of the Palestinian issue through dialogue, political will, and good diplomacy.

This process needs to be fully inclusive, considering the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders. Every country and partner with influence over the parties must be called to shoulder their responsibility to reach a lasting solution for this central issue. And of course this Council should also live up to its responsibilities.

Burying the two States solution is burying any prospect for peace. A viable Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security with Israel, within mutually accepted and internationally recognized borders, is the fulfillment of the Palestinian self-determination. But it is also the most crucial interest of all peace-loving countries that belong to the United Nations. Any initiative, in the form of an international conference, as some member states have proposed, with a view to implementing the two States solution, counts with the Brazilian unequivocal support.

Mr. President,

The legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis for peace and security in their own countries cannot be overlooked or neglected any longer.

As I tried to convey here today, solidarity is not only a moral obligation. It is the Security Council’s duty. In order to discharge its responsibilities for the maintenance of international peace and security, as enshrined in the UN Charter, the Security Council must unite around a common good and raise above any individual interest of its members.

Thank you.