Brazilian President Compares Gaza War to Holocaust, Sparking Diplomatic Tensions
Brazilian President Lula da Silva said: 'What is happening in Gaza is not a war, it's a genocide', and likened Israel to the Nazis.
President of Brazil Lula da Silva has harshly criticized Israel over Gaza. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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razilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has ignited a debate by describing the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza as “genocide,” drawing comparisons to the Holocaust perpetrated by Hitler. The statement was made during his presence at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa.
According to Brazil’s Canal Gov channel, Lula da Silva stated, “What’s happening in the Gaza Strip isn’t a war, it’s a genocide,” emphasizing the severity of the situation for the Palestinian people. He drew parallels with historical atrocities, stating, “Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews.”
The remarks prompted strong reactions from Israel, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz calling the statements “shameful” and “serious.” In response, Tel Aviv announced the summoning of the Brazilian ambassador for an official protest on Monday.
“A red line”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Lula da Silva’s comments, asserting that the Brazilian president “crossed a red line.” Netanyahu characterized the words as an attempt to “trivialize the Holocaust” and undermine Israel’s right to self-defense.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been escalating since an October 7 Hamas attack, leading to extensive Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. The UN reports widespread humanitarian issues, with nearly 29,000 Palestinians killed and a significant portion of the territory’s population facing internal displacement and shortages of essential resources.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, and an interim ruling in January mandated Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The latest remarks by President Lula da Silva add fuel to the already tense diplomatic situation surrounding the conflict.
Natanyahu: “disgraceful and grave”
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced his intention to summon Brazil’s ambassador for a reprimand in response to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s remarks. Katz emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to its right to defend itself. The summoning of the ambassador is scheduled for Monday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Lula da Silva’s comments, describing them as “disgraceful and grave.” Netanyahu asserted that likening Israel to the Nazis and Hitler is a trivialization of the Holocaust and an attempt to undermine the Jewish people’s right to self-defense.
Source: Anadolu Agency
