Brasília – The removal of 20 Brazilians who also have Palestinian nationality and live in conflict zones in Gaza Strip is being monitored by the Brazilian office in Ramallah, West Bank. The Foreign Minister, Antonio Patriota, stated, through his spokesperson, ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes, that the government of Brazil should support all those who aim to leave conflict zones.
On a trip to Europe, Patriota said that the worsening of violence in Gaza and in the surrounding cities is concerning. He stated that a ministry team is following the situation and is ready to help the Brazilians who want to leave the region.
The Brazilians should leave the region by land towards Egypt, considered the only route possible. The decision was taken as the group called for help from Brazilian diplomats. The operation is considered delicate, but the effort, according to the diplomats, is to conclude it as soon as possible.
In the areas close to Gaza Strip there are around 1,000 Brazilians. In other regions in Israel and Palestine there are approximately 10,000. The Brazilian Foreign Office (Itamaraty) informed that it has only received 20 requests for assistance by dual nationality Palestinians.
The process for formalisation of the “temporary evacuation”, according to the Itamaraty, is under way. No timetable has been defined as the group’s exit is associated to a series of external factors, like safety measures and document authorisation.
*Translated by Mark Ament
