Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the UNSC Open Debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question - April 29th, 2025

Mr. President,

Brazil commends France for convening this open debate and for co-organizing together with Saudi Arabia, in June, the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. We warmly welcome this most-needed initiative.

We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions in Gaza. The continuity of the conflict, and the levels of pain and horror it has achieved, are already a stain in history.

The upcoming Conference represents an opportunity for us all. It must mark a turning point for Palestine, wholly addressing the structural aspects underlying a two-State solution.

It must thus reaffirm the urgency of ending Israel`s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice. The Conference must also advance toward the recognition of the State of Palestine and its full un membership, reaffirming the international community`s commitment to fulfilling the Palestinian inalienable right to self-determination.

The time has come for concrete steps toward an independent and viable Palestinian State, 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 two-State solution is the only possible and viable path forward. It should have been Implemented years, even decades ago. Now, more than ever, is the time.

Mr. President,

Brazil reiterates its call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory, the cessation of forced displacement of Palestinians, the release of all hostages and political prisoners, the full respect of obligations under international humanitarian law, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale. These are essential steps to prevent further loss of life and to pave the way for peace and recovery.

Brazil strongly supports UNRWA's indispensable mandate, whose life-saving work must be safeguarded, not undermined. We condemn the use of humanitarian aid for political purposes and the repeated attacks against humanitarian personnel and UN staff, which are grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

Accountability must prevail and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Gaza's reconstruction must begin with full Palestinian ownership as well as the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

Elsewhere in the region, the risks of further escalation remain high, with increasingly severe humanitarian crises. Brazil is deeply concerned with violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and continued Israeli attacks against Lebanese and Syrian territory.

We call on Israel to respect the sovereignty of both countries, in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. The deteriorating situation in Yemen is another strong concern that is also fueling the region's instability.

Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a fundamental step toward dealing with other points of instability in the region, benefiting both neighboring countries and the wider international community.

Mr. President,

We also strongly encourage member states that have not yet done so to recognize Palestine’s statehood like Brazil did back in 2010. The universal recognition of the Palestinian State and its admission as a full member of the UN are decisive means to reduce the asymmetry between the parties in the context of a two-State solution.

Brazil remains committed to contributing to the success of the Conference on the implementation of the two-State solution next June. We support all efforts toward a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, starting with the implementation of all relevant UN resolutions and the full implementation of the two-State solution.

A peaceful Middle East is possible, and the international community, particularly the Palestinian people, can count on Brazil's full support to make it happen.

Thank you.