Mauro Vieira Condemns Hamas Terrorist Acts and Calls for an End to Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories

247 - On Tuesday (24), Brazilian Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, strongly condemned the "terrorist acts" carried out by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israel on the 7th of this month, which resulted in over a thousand deaths, and mourned the loss of three Brazilian citizens in these attacks.

"The acts of terrorism against civilians in Israel resulted in over a thousand victims and the kidnapping of hundreds of innocent people, including children and the elderly. Three Brazilian citizens were confirmed dead, victims of Hamas's attacks. As we deeply mourn their loss, we cannot tolerate acts of terrorism. Violence only breeds more violence," Vieira stated during the UN Security Council meeting on the Palestinian issue. Brazil presides over the body in October.

In addition to expressing Brazil's repudiation of any form of terrorism, Vieira also called for an end to Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. "Israel must halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem," the minister declared, emphasizing that such actions violate international law.

"The current and planned expansion practically erases the viability of a future Palestinian state and breeds violence and hatred," Vieira pointed out. 

The Brazilian Foreign Minister also expressed concern about the alarming state of infrastructure in Gaza after the Israeli airstrikes. He reported that the demolition resulted in the destruction of 42% of civilian homes and denounced the blockade imposed by Israel, severely affecting the provision of basic services to the population, including water and electricity.

The minister emphasized Brazil's commitment to complying with International Humanitarian Law and called for all parties involved in the conflict to respect the fundamental principles of distinction, proportionality, humanity, necessity, and precaution in all their military operations to protect the civilian population.

Vieira also noted that 2023 marks 75 years since the beginning of the Israel-Palestine conflict and lamented the lack of progress in peace negotiations. He concluded his speech by appealing for peace and the realization of a two-state solution.

"We must not lose sight of the root causes of this conflict: oppression, social and economic inequalities, recurrent human rights violations," he concluded.