Statement by the Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, on the Middle East, including the Palestine Question - June 27th, 2023

Madam President,

I thank Mr. Wennesland for the presentation and for his valuable work on the ground. I also thank Mr. James Zogby for his briefing.

Last week, we witnessed a worrying surge of violence in the West Bank, one more of troubling cycles of spiraling violence that have continued for years in Israel and Palestine. The escalating Israeli military actions, including aerial strikes, the first in the West Bank in almost 20 years, further exacerbates the tensions. Among those injured last week, there was the son of a Brazilian citizen, shot in the head and shoulder during the invasion of the palestinian village of Turmus Ayya by Israeli settlers.

The scale of the hostilities, the number of casualties, and the use of new armaments reignite the risk of tension escalation in the West Bank. Reports indicate dangerous and hate-filled rhetoric, provocations, and incitement from officials of both sides, fueling violence. Brazil urges all parties to promote calm and exercise utmost restraint.

Brazil strongly condemns all violence against civilians, be they Palestinians or Israelis. Israel is obligated under international humanitarian law to safeguard the civilian population from violence. We call upon Israel to adhere strictly to the fundamental principles of proportionality, precaution, necessity, and humanity in all of its military operations.

Madam President,

Brazil condemns the recent decisions by the Israeli government to advance the construction of housing units in existing settlements in the West Bank, as well as the modification of settlement approval procedures in order to expedite the process of authorization. This decision violates international law, specifically Resolution 2334 (2016).

As the Secretary General's recent report highlights, those decisions are reshaping the geography and threatening the feasibility of the two-state solution. Brazil urges the Israeli government to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and fully respect all of its obligations under international law.

Demolitions and evictions, including internationally funded humanitarian projects as well as structures related to income-generation and the provision of essential services, also entails numerous human rights violations and raise concerns about the risk of forcible transfer.

The situation in Gaza also remains critical. Access restrictions affect patients in need of medical care and block the availability of essential medicines. Much more needs to be done to alleviate the humanitarian situation, improve the economy, lift the closure in line with Resolution 1860 (2009).

Brazil echoes the calls for renewed efforts to restore UNRWA`s capabilities. Unless new funding is received, the Agency may be unable to maintain critical services.

Brazil remains convinced that the mere administration of the conflict is not a viable alternative. Resuming peace negotiations is of paramount importance. But without political will there is no way forward. Regrettably, the commitments made in Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh - to desist from provocative unilateral actions and pursue de-escalation measures - have not been kept.

We urgently need to find ways to break those terrible cycles and promote an effective process towards sustainable peace in the region.

And I thank you.