Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho,at the UNSC on the Middle East - April 25th, 2023

Brazil thanks the Russian Presidency for organizing today's open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. I also thank Special Coordinator Wennesland for his briefing. I welcome the participation in this meeting of Minister Riyadh Al-Maliki of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine. 

Mister President,

Since the beginning of this year, this Council has met several times to address the situation in Israel and Palestine as a series of crises have unfolded in an increasingly complex and volatile environment. Last month, ahead of Ramadan, Passover and Easter, we appealed for calm and maximum restraint, anticipating the possibility of a repetition of the scenes of violence seen during the religious holidays of the previous years.

Regrettably, appalling incidents, such as the raids inside Al Aqsa - Haram Al Sharif, deeply disturbed the period of religious celebrations, injured worshipers and damaged buildings. Once again, heightened tensions raised the possibility of escalation of violence into direct confrontation. The stability of the entire region was put at risk.

Brazil moreover considers it of extreme concern the launching of rockets against Israeli civilians from the Gaza Strip and the Lebanese territories.

Access to religious sites is an essential component of freedom of religion or belief. Respecting the historic status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites is critical, as well as maintaining the custody of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Brazil condemns the actions undertaken in violation of the historic status quo of the holy sites and regret that many worshipers ended up prevented from celebrating in peace and security.

The fact that religious holidays of such significance to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike have become a period of permanent tension should not be normalized. Nor should we normalize the current overall situation characterized by ongoing violence and grave violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

As the Special Coordinator often reiterates, and we agree, managing this conflict in perpetuity is not a viable option. On the contrary, it moves us further away from the goal of lasting peace. If the core issues driving the conflict are not addressed, this intensified cycle of violence will continue.

Mister President,

Some elements are crucial here. Firstly, Israel must immediately cease all settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. As one of the main obstacles to peace, the continued expansion of settlements is in flagrant violation of international law, including Resolution 2334 (2016). It threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state and therefore the prospects for a two-state solution. Israel must also put an end to the demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures, as well as to the displacement of Palestinian families.

Secondly, all acts of violence against civilians must cease. Brazil condemns the settler-related violence, the disproportionate use of force by security forces, as well as the acts of terror, which are never justifiable. The Israeli authorities must provide adequate protection to the Palestinian civilian population as required by international law as well as investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of violence. Leaders on all sides must promote calm, avoid spreading inflammatory rhetoric and speak out against actions aimed at inciting violence.

Thirdly, and as important to peace as the aforementioned measures, is improving the living conditions of the palestinian people, restoring their hope for a better future. Economic growth may also contribute to intra-Palestinian reconciliation, which is also a crucial step towards stabilization and resumption of a genuine dialogue.

Palestinian refugees should also not be forgotten. We acknowledge the importance of increased, predictable and sustainable support for UNRWA. For as long as it has existed, UNRWA has played a crucial role in providing relief and assistance to millions of people. The work of the Agency is key to the maintenance of stability in the region.

In conclusion, Brazil reaffirms its longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, with Palestine and Israel fully viable and living together in peace and security within mutually agreed and internationally recognized borders. We therefore encourage all parties to work in good faith and with renewed political will to leave this vicious cycle of violence behind. They should pursue the path of dialogue, working together in a constructive manner towards lasting sustainable peace.

And I thank you.