SAO PAULO: Brazil has officially declared its support for the case filed by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 23,357 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 7. The announcement came shortly after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with Palestinian Ambassador Ibrahim Alzeben in Brasilia.
While President Lula acknowledged his administration’s immediate condemnation of the Hamas attack on October 7, he emphasized that such actions did not justify Israel’s “indiscriminate, recurrent, and disproportionate use of force against civilians.” Brazil’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the flagrant violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza.
In the statement, Lula expressed support for South Africa’s case with the objective of compelling Israel to “immediately cease all acts and measures that may constitute genocide or related crimes” under the terms of the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The Brazilian government, through its Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed Lula’s efforts in the international community for a ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to protect Palestinian civilians. The statement underscored Brazil’s commitment to a two-state solution, advocating for an economically viable Palestinian state coexisting with Israel in peace and security.
Brazil’s Decision to Support South Africa’s Case Lauded
Palestinian associations in Brazil welcomed Brazil’s decision to support South Africa’s case, expressing joy and gratitude. Ualid Rabah, president of the Arab Palestine Federation of Brazil, praised the historical commitments of the Brazilian state to human rights and national sovereignty. He credited Lula’s diplomatic stance, emphasizing the former president’s efforts to stop the genocide in Gaza during Brazil’s tenure as head of the UN Security Council.
Emir Mourad, secretary-general of the Palestinian Confederation of Latin America and the Caribbean, believed Lula’s decision could influence other nations in the region to declare their support for South Africa’s case. Mourad recalled Lula’s previous recognition of Palestine’s statehood in 2010, a move followed by several Latin American nations.
