Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, durante debate aberto do Conselho de Segurança sobre o Oriente Médio, Inclusive a Questão Palestina - 23 de julho de 2025 (texto em inglês)

Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
July 23rd, 2025

Mr. President,

We welcome this debate on the situation in the Middle East, especially the question of Palestine, at a moment of unprecedented challenges to international law and to multilateralism. These are pillars of the international order that we must protect and promote. Without them, the world faces the real and serious risk of spiralling into chaos.

The situation in Gaza is the most tragic example of such chaos - chaos that ensues when actors decide to ignore internationally agreed rules and norms of international law and international humanitarian law.

We witness in Gaza not merely a conflict, but a combination of man-made humanitarian catastrophe, unfolding war crimes that amount to genocide, and moral collapse, right under the watch of this organ.

Brazil condemns in the strongest terms the continued deliberate attacks against civilians, humanitarian personnel, and UN staff. We call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of all hostages. We reiterate the urgent need for an unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. These restrictions have led to alarming levels of starvation, disease and death, with no clear end in sight. Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal and moral obligation to protect the civilian population under its responsibility.

Accountability is also essential and urgent. Those responsible for violations of international law and international humanitarian law must be brought to justice. It is not only a matter of principle; it is a condition for lasting peace and the preservation of international order.

The role of UNRWA is indispensable and irreplaceable in its five fields of operation. Attacks on the agency are attacks on the primary lifeline for millions of Palestinian refugees. An on the UN. On July 1st, Brazil assumed the presidency of its Advisory Commission. In such capacity, we are commited to upholding the agency's mandate, as well as advocating for continued political and financial support for its activities.

The ICJ reaffirmed last year that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful and must be brought to an end. This was not a mere statement of fact and of law, but a strong call for action by all of us.

Indeed, this decades-long history of violence and deprivation will only cease with the full implementation of the two-State solution, with an independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel, in peace and security, within the 1967 borders, which includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The High-Level International Conference on the Two-State Solution can be a key step in that direction. Brazil is fully engaged in its preparation as co-chair, alongside Senegal, of the working group on international law and is fully committed to its success. In this context, we renew our call on all Member States that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so, and to support its full membership in the UN.

Mr. President,

Beyond Palestine, the Middle East faces increased tensions. Brazil expresses its grave concern regarding the recent military escalation in the region. We firmly condemn military attacks against safeguarded nuclear facilities in Iran, which violate the country's sovereignty and breach international law, while also posing unacceptable humanitarian risks to civilian populations and the environment.

Brazil rejects any form of nuclear proliferation and defends the exclusive use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. In this context, we reiterate the importance of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. It is our conviction that nuclear disarmament is the only way to ensure a sustainable and enduring peace.

We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Yemen, as well as by the repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and by the continued attacks against Syrian territory. Israel's actions in Syria can only aggravate instability in a context of high volatility.

We reiterate the imperative of upholding international law and fully complying with the relevant United Nations resolutions in all circumstances.

Mr. President,

Brazil's commitment to peace and justice in the Middle East is unwavering. We stand ready to continue contributing to the success of the upcoming High-Level International Conference, and to the realization of the two-State solution that will ultimately bring peace and stability to the whole region.

Thank you.