Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question - October 18th, 2023

I thank the briefers for their comments and commend them for their extraordinary work in a very difficult situation. I also ask them to please convey our thanks to their people on the ground.

Brazil is appalled by the catastrophic strike on the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza City that killed hundreds of civilians. It is simply abominable. Hospitals and medical personnel are — and must be — effectively protected under international humanitarian law. Yesterday’s attack shows again that the civilians are the ones paying the ultimate price for this conflict. We stand in solidarity with the grieving families of the victims and offer our deepest condolences.

Brazil unequivocally condemns the terrorist attacks and hostage-taking by Hamas in Israel on 7 October. Acts of terrorism are unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever and by whomever they are committed. We all call in the strongest terms for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and demand their safety, well-being and humane treatment in accordance with international law.

Any military response to terrorist acts or acts of aggression must be conducted strictly in accordance with the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The presence among the civilian population of individuals who may not qualify as civilians under international humanitarian law does not deprive the broader population of its civilian status. In addition to hospitals, air strikes and the reckless use of heavy weapons such as missiles and shelling have also hit schools such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA) facility in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The targeted UNWRA school had sheltered at least 4,000 people since 7 October. This is unacceptable. Brazil urges the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, including United Nations staff, assets and health facilities. We also condemn actions and decisions that have deprived the civilian population of Gaza of essential means of survival in violation of international humanitarian law. We urge the cessation of actions that result in the forcible transfer of civilians and actions that are inconsistent with international law. The imposition of such measures, particularly in conflict zones, only exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and further endangers lives, and it will fuel the conflict even more.

The immediate objective is clear and urgent. To prevent further bloodshed and loss of life and to try to ensure urgent and unimpeded humanitarian access to the affected areas. A humanitarian pause is urgent. Efforts should aim at a cessation of hostilities that would help to ensure the protection of civilians, both in Israel and Palestine.

“To save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” are among the very first words of the Charter of the United Nations and these words were the primary motivation for the creation of the United Nations. How the United Nations, and the Security Council in particular, deals with the current humanitarian catastrophe, will say a great deal about the future of the United Nations and of multilateralism as a whole.