Statement by the Delegation of Brazil on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - March 22nd, 2023

I thank Mister Wennesland for his briefing and would like to express Brazil`s gratitude for his efforts aiming at restoring calm and promoting dialogue among all parties, always having peace as the ultimate goal. 

Brazil remains deeply concerned about the situation in Israel and Palestine. We are especially worried about the upcoming religious holidays, as the Holy Month of Ramadan will coincide with Easter and Passover. In na already tense scenario, without a genuine commitment from all parties to create the conditions for the celebrations to take place in peace and tranquility, we truly risk seeing an escalation of violence. Peaceful celebrations are in everyone's interest.

All parties must exercise maximum restraint and avoid provocations, including extremist rhetoric. We welcome the emphasis in the Joint Communique from the March 19  meeting in Sharm El Sheikh on the necessity of both parties to actively prevent any actions that would disrupt the sanctity of the holy sites. We also stress the importance of the commitment made to maintain unchanged the historic status quo at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem and of the recognition of the relevance of the Hashemite Custody. 

Brazil thanks Egypt, Jordan and the United States for the diplomatic efforts to bring together Israeli and Palestinian authorities to reflect on ways and means to de-escalate tensions and to pave a way forward towards a peaceful settlement. The meeting in Sharm El Sheikh after Aqaba is a welcome development amidst a grim backdrop. The need, as recognized by the parties, of pursuing confidence building measures to enhance mutual trust, create political horizon, and address outstanding issues through direct dialogue cannot be overemphasized. We welcome the fact that a follow-up mechanism has been established.

We will keep close attention to those commitments, and this time around we expect them to be indeed implemented. An assessment of their impact involves the de-escalation of violence, which has affected civilians, including children. All violations of international humanitarian law must immediately stop. The principle of distinction between civilians and combatants must be upheld. Terrorism is deplorable in all its forms and manifestations. 

Israel must immediately cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, in compliance with resolution 2334 (2016). As one of the main obstacles to peace, the continued expansion of settlements in flagrant violation of international law threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state and is a constant source of violence and hatred. We also call on Israel to stop the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures, as well as the displacement of Palestinian families. All forms of settler-related violence must also immediately cease. 

Mister President,

Brazil considers the agreement on the establishment of a mechanism to take the necessary steps towards improving the economic conditions of the Palestinian people and to significantly enhance the fiscal situation of the Palestinian National Authority, another important point of the Joint Communique of Sharm El Sheikh. 

Intra-Palestinian reconciliation alongside the improvement of living conditions in the West Bank and in Gaza, which will only be possible with sustainable economic growth, are important steps towards peace. We once more emphasize the role played by poverty, food insecurity and lack of hope in providing the perfect breeding ground for extremist forces. Peace depends, and we emphasize, on the commitment to the promotion of human rights for all. The situation in Gaza is particularly concerning, as the blockade continues to aggravate humanitarion conditions and to hinder development efforts.

Brazil also remains worried about the chronic financial challenges faced by UNRWA, which has been providing much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. We must not undermine the role played by UNRWA, throughout the years, to maintain stability on the ground. 

Before concluding, I would like to reaffirm Brazil's longstanding commitment to the two-State solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in Peace and security within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders. We remain committed to the idea of peace, to the achievement, without delay, of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. We are ready to support, in this regard, all initiatives aimed at opening up a horizon for sustainable peace. 

I thank you.