Statement by the Delegation of Brazil at the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question - August 8th, 2022

Brazil thanks Mr. Wennesland for his detailed briefing. We express our condolences to the families of the victims and the injured by the recent cycle of violence.

At the outset, Brazil joins others in welcoming the Egypt-brokered ceasefire announced yesterday. We thank Egypt for its crucial efforts and all those who have worked to bring some calm and to de-escalate the situation on the ground.

It is now imperative that the ceasefire be fully implemented and respected by all parties. The ceasefire must ultimately be accompanied by an easing of tensions throughout the Palestinian territories and in Israel. All provocations and all incitement to hatred and violence must stop.  Brazil condemns all attacks against civilians.

This latest escalation of violence underlines the urgent need to make progress towards a just and sustainable political solution to the conflict and to address its driving forces. The challenges in Gaza - like the conflict as a whole - requires political solutions, but economic growth also remains vital to give hope to the Palestinian people.   Intra-Palestinian reconciliation is also a crucial step towards stabilization and resumption of a genuine dialogue within the framework of the peace process.

Mister President,

The safety and security of religious sites is an essential component of freedom of religion or belief, and should be preserved at all costs. Upholding the status quo of the holy sites is fundamental as well as maintaining the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's special role as custodian of Muslim holy places. 

Brazil reiterates its agreement to the assessment that the mere management of this conflict in perpetuity is not a viable option. We cannot continue to afford the high costs of perpetual cycles of violence. Without a political perspective and respect for international law, the same causes will produce the same effects, the cycles of violence will continue to follow one after the other and the civilian population will continue to be the main victims.

The Security Council bears a heavy responsibility to live up to its mandate and the expectations of people affected by conflict. Brazil will continue its efforts to contribute to Council action and to finding solutions. It must now engage in supporting the efforts to relaunch the political process and to address urgent questions, such as the one of detainees.

Brazil reiterates its resolute support for a two State solution, within the framework of international law and the resolutions of the Council. That is the only way to meet the aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples and to ensure the security of all.