Brazil’s Lula talks with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani

Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, spoke today with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, about the conflict in Gaza. Both leaders agreed on the importance of opening a humanitarian corridor and releasing all hostages. They highlighted the need for a ceasefire and the dangers of conflict escalation — which must be avoided at all costs.

Lula highlighted the relevant role played by Qatar in attempts to mediate the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Brazil and Qatar agree on a two-state solution: Israel and Palestine living together in peace.

The Brazilian president expressed his concern about the group of Brazilians who are still in Gaza awaiting repatriation. Lula commented on the readiness of Brazil’s evacuation plan — with the presidential aircraft positioned in Cairo, and the reception operation upon return to Brazil.

The conversation with the Emir of Qatar is one of a series of contacts that President Lula has made with leaders in the region toward a solution that reestablishes peace. Since the beginning of the conflict he has spoken to the presidents of Israel (Isaac Herzog), of the Palestinian National Authority (Mahmoud Abbas), Iran (Ebrahim Raisi), Egypt (Abdel Fattah el-Sisi), Türkiye (Recep Tayyip Erdogan), France (Emmanuel Macron), Russia (Vladimir Putin), the United Arab Emirates (Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan), and the European Council (Charles Michel).