São Paulo – The Brazilian government issued a note through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (21) evening expressing hope with the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine and calling for a peaceful resolution to the problem. In the region, the Gaza Strip – led by the Hamas group and home to thousands of Palestinians – and Israel have been in a violent clash for almost two weeks, but a truce came into force last week.
On the same day the note was released, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos França (pictured above), had a meeting with representatives of Arab countries in Brasilia. In the text, the Ministry is grateful for the peacemaking efforts of the Arab countries Egypt and Qatar. The Brazilian government also made a conciliatory statement in a United Nations General Assembly plenary session last Thursday (20).
“The Brazilian government received with hope the announcement of a ceasefire, which came into force as of this dawn in the Gaza Strip. In thanking the good offices of Egypt and Qatar in mediating the end of hostilities, the Brazilian government expresses confidence that the parties involved are engaged in the implementation of the commitments signed and will work for the restoration of peace,” says the text.
In the note, the government says it has followed the escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians with concern and mourns the clashes, destruction, wounds, and lives lost. It also reports a telephone conversation, on May 19, between the French Chancellor and the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gabi Ashkenazi, and the meeting with representatives of Arab countries accredited in Brasilia.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that at the United Nations General Assembly, “it reiterated Brazil’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict to allow both regions to live in peace, security, and prosperity, within secure and internationally recognized borders.” The UN will launch an international campaign to help repair the damage in Gaza, where there is a risk of further spread of COVID-19.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
