Brasilia, February 20, 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has officially withdrawn the country's ambassador to Israel. The decision was prompted by concerns over statements made by the Israeli occupation government.
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry, in an official statement, emphasized the perceived dangers of the Israeli government's recent statements. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira summoned Israel's ambassador, Daniel Zonshine, in Rio de Janeiro to address the matter. Additionally, the Brazilian ambassador to Israel, Federico Mayer, is set to return to Brazil and has been summoned for consultations in light of the unfolding developments.
These actions follow President Lula da Silva's speech at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, where he characterized the situation in the Gaza Strip as "not a war, but genocide." The withdrawal of the Brazilian ambassador underscores the gravity with which Brazil views the situation and signals a diplomatic response to express concern over the unfolding events.
