Brazilian President Lula accused Israel on Sunday, February 18, of committing “genocide” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. “What is happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza has never happened at any other time in history. In fact, it happened once before: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews,” he said. His comments immediately sparked a reaction from Israel's prime minister, who called the comments “shameful and serious” and summoned the Brazilian ambassador to Israel on Monday. Follow our live stream.
France and Egypt express “firm opposition” to an offensive on Rafah. In a phone call on Saturday, Emmanuel Macron and Abdel Fattah al-Sissi also expressed their opposition to “any forced displacement of the population” to Egypt that would “constitute a violation of international humanitarian law,” emphasizing “urgent to drastic.” increase the flow of aid to the people of Gaza.”
Washington threatens to block a UN resolution calling for a “ceasefire”. American Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield believes that the vote on this text could “contradict” ongoing diplomatic negotiations towards a ceasefire, including new hostage releases. “If we were to vote on the current project, it would not be adopted,” she warned, clearly referring to a veto.
A new assessment of Hamas in Gaza. The Hamas Health Ministry said on Sunday that the Israeli offensive had killed 28,985 people, the vast majority civilians. According to Israel, 130 hostages are still being held in Gaza, of which 30 of around 250 people kidnapped are believed to have died.