Published 10/29/2024 15:22 | Edited 10/29/2024 15:47
This Tuesday morning (29), the ninth flight of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) landed at the São Paulo Air Base, in Guarulhos, bringing 221 Brazilians and a pet rescued from Lebanon. The operation is part of Operation Raízes, which has already removed 1,858 people from the country in October, according to the federal government. The priority return has been for women, children, the elderly and Brazilians who do not reside in the country.
The action, initiated after the increase in violence between Israel and the Hezbollah group, includes Brazilians, foreign first-degree relatives and foreigners who were transported at the request of their respective countries.
Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging cross-border attacks since October 8, 2023. Hezbollah declared that it was supporting the Palestinians in Gaza and pressuring Israel, which had started a war in Gaza the day before, for a ceasefire. On September 23 of this year, Israel expanded its attacks on Lebanon, killing more than 550 people in one day. More than 2,600 people were killed by Israel in Lebanon during this war and more than 1.2 million people were displaced, according to the Lebanese government. Many displaced people fled to Beirut.
Repatriation numbers so far:
- 1st flight: 229 people
- 2nd flight: 227 people
- 3rd flight: 217 people
- 4th flight: 211 people
- 5th flight: 220 people
- 6th flight: 212 people
- 7th flight: 82 people
- 8th flight: 239 people
- 9th flight: 221 people
Total to date: 1,858 passengers
The Brazilian community in Lebanon, which numbers around 21 thousand people, is the largest in the region, surpassing countries such as Israel (14 thousand), United Arab Emirates (9.6 thousand) and Jordan (3 thousand). The government estimates that 3 thousand Brazilians seek to return to the country, as recorded in the forms filled out by the Brazilians themselves in Beirut.
With an average of 500 rescues per week, the FAB has been able to regularly bring groups to Brazil, but the security conditions in Lebanon, subject to bombings and clashes, may influence this number.
Itamaraty also warns that those who have resources consider the possibility of leaving Lebanon by their own means, highlighting that Beirut airport remains in operation.
Upon arriving in Brazil, repatriates receive support from teams from the Ministries of Health and Social Development, as well as employees from the Federal Police and Federal Revenue. The Brazilian government’s expectation is to bring back around 3 thousand people in 2024.
Furthermore, the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has already sent 6.3 tons of medicines collected by the Consulate General of Lebanon in Rio de Janeiro to Lebanon. The cargo was sent in two stages. The first part was taken on the 15th, while the most recent part was taken on the flight last Saturday (19th).
The Itamaraty consular duty numbers are still available, if necessary, both via WhatsApp: +55 (61) 98260-0610 and +55 61 98313-0146.
Source: vermelho.org.br
