Brazil's presidential plane takes off from Egypt to Brazil with the group rescued from Gaza

On Monday morning, at 6:51 a.m. Brasília local time, Brazilian presidency's VC-2 aircraft took off from Egypt toward Brazil. On board, 32 passengers who left Gaza on Sunday (November 12) and are now completing the last stage of the federal government's repatriation flight. Altogether, the group is made up of 17 children, nine women and six men: 22 Brazilian citizens and ten Palestinian citizens who are their family members, in this tenth rescue operation from the conflict zone in the Middle East.

I believe that you will begin a beautiful stage of a new life. You can count on the Brazilian State, on Itamaraty, on Brazilian institutions. You will be embraced by Brazil as soon as you arrive"

Fernando Bastos Neto, First-Secretary of the Brazilian Embassy in Egypt

One of the group's best-known faces, Hasan Rabee posted part of the journey on his Instagram profile –– including images on the bus rented by the Brazilian government leaving the hotel; arrival at Cairo International Airport; and the group’s transit through the terminal toward the aircraft. "We're already at the airport. In a little while we'll board and continue our journey on to Brasília," he posted on Instagram alongside one of his daughters, on his lap,waving a Brazilian flag.

» Track the aircraft’s movement in real time

Since they crossed the border between Gaza and Egypt –– and after waiting more than three weeks for permission from authorities involved in the conflict ––, the 32 people completed the immigration process and were transported to Al-Arish in vans chartered by the Brazilian Embassy in Egypt. There, they had lunch and were able to enjoy a quick moment of leisure at the beach. The group arrived in Cairo at night, where they were welcomed by medical and psychological teams; had dinner; slept the night; and then had breakfast this Monday before continuing on their journey, alongside Brazilian diplomatic teams.

"This is the most important moment of my career. I am very proud to have been part of your evacuation mission. I was very happy to meet you, to look you in the eyes, to listen to your stories. I believe that you will begin a beautiful stage of a new life. You can count on the Brazilian State, on Itamaraty, on Brazilian institutions. You will be embraced in Brazil as soon as you arrive," said Fernando Bastos Neto, First-Secretary of the Brazilian Embassy in Egypt, shortly before disembarking at the airport.

When the VC-2 touches down at Brasília Air Base, Operation Returning in Peace will have rescued 1,477 passengers and 53 pets from Gaza. Around 150 military personnel and 37 health professionals (13 doctors, nine psychologists and 15 nurses) were involved in the logistics. More than 3 thousand meals were served in 315 hours of flights across 16 countries. On the route to Brasília, two technical stopovers are planned for the VC-2: one in Las Palmas, Spain, and a second on Brazilian soil, in Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco. Originally, there was also a technical stop planned in Rome, Italy, but it was canceled.

Group of repatriated citizens alongside representatives of the Brazilian Embassy in Egypt during final preparations before boarding. Photos: GOV BR

WELCOME – Upon arrival in Brazil, the federal government has a reception operation prepared. In addition to the support of their families in Brazil, the group will receive shelter, documentation and food, as well as psychological support, medical care and immunization. They will then stay in Brasília for two days to rest in Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira/FAB) installations.

"There is a reception scheme –– a support and reception system in which identity documents, work permits, access to Brazil’s Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde/SUS), and to the social support network for refugees will be offered alongside regularization of each person's situation," explained the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira at a press conference this Sunday.

“Some of the Brazilian citizens already have a destination because they have family members here, but a significant part of them –– almost half –– have nowhere to stay. With help from the Ministry of Social Development, the federal government has already prepared a place where these people will be welcomed in the state of São Paulo,” said National Secretary of Justice at the Ministry of Justice and Public Security Augusto de Arruda Botelho.

There is no specific deadline for the assistance that will be provided to returnees to end. “We are prepared for whatever period is necessary, so that these people may be integrated into Brazil. There is no fixed deadline. We are ready to welcome them in the best possible way. They will stay in a place that has a great deal of experience in welcoming refugees in the most complete, dignified way, and without a deadline,” added Arruda Botelho.

FOLLOW-UP –– During the period in Gaza, the group of Brazilians was monitored daily by Brazilian diplomacy. They received funds to ensure access to food, drinking water, cooking gas and medicines, and also access to medical and psychological care online. They were also housed in homes rented by the federal government in Khan Yunis and Rafah, and traveled safely on buses chartered by the Brazilian Representation in Ramallah, West Bank.

All vehicles and properties were identified and reported to authorities in Gaza and Israel to avoid bombing. Using apps, the diplomats maintained daily contact with the group to identify needs and to ensure, within the reality of a conflict zone, that everyone was in the best possible health conditions.

“We struggled to prevent the Brazilians from being affected by the humanitarian catastrophe that is plaguing Gaza. We rented houses and managed to send resources for food, water, gas and medicine in the precarious local market. We offered remote support from a psychologist and doctor. Unfortunately, the prospects are for rapid degradation of living and security conditions in Gaza," said Ambassador Candeas.

This worsening of conditions led Minister Mauro Vieira to emphasize, this Sunday, that the Brazilian federal government intends to once again seek measures by the UN Security Council towards humanitarian pauses and the end of hostilities in the region.

"President Lula continues to be extremely involved in resolving this issue. He has been speaking constantly with important heads of state; with the UN secretary general; and with the heads of state from the region –– in short, with all important stakeholders. He intends to once again address it at the UN Security Council starting this week, so that a way can be found to suspend these hostilities and create a humanitarian pause that may bring relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” said Vieira.