Itamaraty condemns attacks and advises embassy in Lebanon on rescuing Brazilians

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva determined on Monday afternoon (23) that the Brazilian Embassy in Beirut begin consultations with Brazilians living in Lebanon about their interest in receiving support from the government to leave the Middle Eastern country.

The Brazilian government should prepare a repatriation operation with flights from the Brazilian Air Force, similar to what happened with Brazilians in Israel and the Gaza Strip, since the beginning of the conflict with the Hamas attack on October 7. Lebanon is home to the largest Brazilian community in the Middle East, with 22,000 people.

In recent days, Israel has launched more than 10,000 airstrikes on the neighboring country, where the Shiite group Hezbollah operates. Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging missiles since the start of the war with Hamas, but the latest escalation began after the explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies last week.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 500 people lost their lives after the Zionist bombings and 1,835 were injured.

Itamaraty condemns Israeli attacks

The Itamaraty published a note on Monday in which it “condemns, in the strongest terms, the continued Israeli air strikes against civilian areas in Beirut, southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley.”

In the note, the Brazilian government criticizes the declarations of war by the far-right coalition that governs Israel and rejects the policy of forced displacement of civilians.

“[O governo brasileiro] It also deplores statements by Israeli authorities in favor of military operations and the occupation of part of Lebanese territory and expresses grave concern at calls by the Israeli government for Lebanese civilians to evacuate their homes in those areas,” the note says.

Note in full

The Brazilian government condemns, in the strongest terms, the continued Israeli airstrikes against civilian areas in Beirut, southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, which today alone, the 23rd, have caused at least 492 deaths and left more than 1,600 injured. It also deplores statements by Israeli authorities in favor of military operations and the occupation of part of Lebanese territory and expresses grave concern at the Israeli government’s calls for Lebanese civilians to evacuate their homes in those areas.

Brazil renews its appeal to the parties involved to immediately cease the attacks, in order to halt the worrying escalation of tensions, which threatens to lead the region to a conflict of large proportions, with a severe negative impact on civilian populations.

The Brazilian Embassy in Beirut continues to provide dedicated assistance and guidance to the Brazilian community, with which it maintains permanent contact. The Brazilian government is monitoring the impact of the conflict on the community with concern and attention. It reiterates the recommendation that Brazilians leave the conflict area. If necessary, it is recommended that they contact the consular office at Itamaraty by calling +55 (61) 98260-0610 (with WhatsApp).