Lula is angry with Egypt. Egypt does not want to open its border to refugees. There are fears that a Palestinian population in the north of the country will remain in a kind of new Gaza Strip and that ethnic cleansing will occur if the United States and the United Nations do not guarantee aid. In total, around 6,000 foreigners live in Gaza alongside Brazilians.
The rescue of the Brazilians was somewhat successful. The Brazilian rescue operation was successful until they reached the Gaza border with Egypt. Israel does not want to guarantee a humanitarian corridor and the impasse between Egypt and Israel angers Lula.
Israel’s ceasefire is necessary. Due to the stalemate regarding foreigners in Gaza, an Israeli ceasefire is necessary. The Israelis, in turn, will not accept a ceasefire until Hamas releases around 200 hostages. Until the hostages are released, the bombings in Gaza constitute a war crime that will kill thousands of civilians, even though Israel has the right to selfdefense.
Israel tends to be isolated. Although Lula’s comments could strain diplomatic relations between Brazil and Israel, Itamaraty believes they could help put pressure on Israel and Egypt to release Brazilians. If Israel again plans a ground attack, it could lose international support and become isolated with support from the United States alone. Therefore, the ceasefire and the humanitarian corridor are essential from the perspective of international politics.
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O News analysis airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.