Lula urges Israeli support in repatriating more Brazilians from Gaza
In a 40-minute telephone conversation on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 16) with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed gratitude for Israel's assistance in repatriating 32 Brazilian citizens from the Gaza Strip, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. This marked their second phone call in just over a month, following their initial conversation on October 12.
During the call, Lula informed Herzog about the ongoing preparation of a new list containing the names of Brazilians and their Palestinian relatives in the Gaza Strip, the area most impacted by the conflict.
Hostage concerns
According to the ministry, President Herzog, in turn, shared his concerns about hostages kidnapped by Hamas, including several Latin Americans, and urged Lula to enhance the appeal for their release in collaboration with other Latin American nations.
"President Lula not only committed himself to the request but also emphasized his earlier appeals for the release of all hostages during discussions with leaders from several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority, as well as with counterparts from France, Russia, and India. Additionally, he conducted video conferences with the Israeli relatives of the hostages," the statement reads.
Humanitarian crisis
Expressing deep concern about the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Lula conveyed dismay at the loss of life, particularly that of children.
During the call, he reiterated Brazil's peaceful tradition, in which Jews and Arabs coexist harmoniously, and condemned acts of anti-Semitism amid the escalating conflict.
Two-state solution
Touching on Brazil's historical involvement in the creation of the state of Israel, Lula emphasized Brazil's continued support for the two-state solution, envisioning Israel and Palestine coexisting with secure and mutually accepted borders. He also discussed Brazil's advocacy for reforms in multilateral governance bodies, aiming to enhance their efficiency in preventing and resolving conflicts.
