Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Israel after drawing parallels between Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazis.
Speaking at the African Union summit in Ethiopia on Sunday, Lula condemned Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, labeling it as “genocide” and equating it to the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. He asserted that the violence in Gaza, characterized by Israeli military operations, constitutes a one-sided assault targeting civilians, particularly women and children.
Lula’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, with the summit leaders recently condemning the Israeli bombardment and urging an immediate ceasefire.
The Brazilian leader’s stance on Israel’s actions has evolved over time, with him previously condemning Hamas’ attacks on Israel as terrorist acts. However, he has increasingly criticized Israel’s response, alleging disproportionate use of force resulting in civilian casualties and widespread devastation.
Israel swiftly denounced Lula’s comparison, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemning it as antisemitic and an affront to the memory of Holocaust victims. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and rebuked any attempts to equate its actions with the genocide perpetrated by the Nazis.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced plans to summon Brazil’s ambassador to reprimand the country for Lula’s remarks, labeling them as “shameful and serious.”
Lula’s comments have reignited debates over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the use of inflammatory rhetoric in international discourse. The controversy underscores the deep-rooted divisions and sensitivities surrounding the conflict, with stakeholders on both sides vehemently defending their positions while navigating the complexities of diplomacy and human rights concerns.
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