Brazil has emerged as a vocal and active player on the international stage regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict in Gaza. Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s leadership, Brazil has condemned the violence in Gaza in unequivocal terms, labeling it genocide, and has sought to mobilize diplomatic, humanitarian, and multilateral efforts to end the suffering of Palestinians. This analysis explores Brazil’s position, actions, and the complex domestic and international dynamics shaping its role in the Gaza crisis.

Brazil’s Strong Condemnation of Violence in Gaza

Brazil’s stance on the Gaza conflict is characterized by President Lula’s repeated and forceful condemnation of Israel’s military actions, which he has described as “premeditated genocide.” During a visit to Paris in June 2025, Lula stated:

“What is occurring in Gaza cannot be classified as a war. It constitutes genocide being executed by a well-equipped military targeting women and children”. 

He emphasized that the violence is not a conventional war but a systematic campaign orchestrated by a far-right Israeli government, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, including many civilians.

The Gaza Health Ministry, trusted by the United Nations, reports over 57,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict escalated in late 2023, underscoring the devastating human toll. Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) also condemned the use of hunger as a weapon of war, highlighting the unacceptable violence against civilians seeking humanitarian aid.

Brazil’s rhetoric is backed by concrete diplomatic initiatives. During its rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in October 2023, Brazil drafted a resolution calling for a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery. However, this resolution was vetoed by the United States, reflecting the geopolitical complexities surrounding the conflict.

Diplomatic and Humanitarian Actions

Beyond rhetoric, Brazil has taken tangible steps to support Palestinians and advocate for peace. The government has engaged in diplomatic efforts, including participation in international forums such as the BRICS summit, where President Lula called for an end to the “genocide” in Gaza and urged the international community to uphold multilateralism and humanitarian principles.

Brazil has also considered severing military ties with Israel as a response to the ongoing violence. Celso Amorim, Lula’s chief special advisor, stated: 

“Personally, I believe that the escalation of massacres in Gaza—which constitute true genocide, with thousands of civilians killed, including children—is something that cannot be minimized. Brazil needs, through appropriate measures, to act consistently with the humanitarian principles and international law it has always defended”.

 Consequently, Brazil canceled a planned purchase of Israeli armored vehicles and is weighing further suspension of military cooperation, though it remains cautious about fully severing diplomatic relations due to concerns over the safety of Brazilian nationals in the region and the potential impact on Palestinians.

Humanitarian efforts have also been a priority. Brazil organized rescue operations for its nationals trapped in Gaza and has provided food, water, medical aid, and psychological support amid the blockade and deteriorating conditions. This dual approach of diplomatic pressure and humanitarian assistance reflects Brazil’s commitment to alleviating suffering while pushing for a political solution.

Advocacy for a Two-State Solution and International Law

Brazil’s foreign policy has long supported a two-State solution, envisioning a sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel within internationally recognized borders. This position remains central to Brazil’s approach to the conflict. The Lula administration has condemned both Hamas’s initial attacks and Israel’s retaliatory measures, emphasizing the need to protect civilians on all sides. President Lula articulated this balanced stance: 

“While Hamas committed an act of terrorism, the State of Israel is also committing several acts of terrorism by not taking into account that children and women are not at war”.

Brazil’s advocacy is grounded in international law and humanitarian principles. It has condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law and has called for independent investigations into attacks on civilians, including recent deadly incidents at humanitarian aid distribution points in Gaza.

Brazil’s Role in BRICS and Global South Diplomacy

Brazil’s leadership on the Gaza issue is also shaped by its broader foreign policy doctrine of active non-alignment (ANA), which seeks to prioritize national interests while avoiding alignment with major power blocs such as the United States or China. As a key member and host of the BRICS summit, Brazil has used this platform to push for stronger condemnation of the violence in Gaza, despite disagreements within the bloc on how to address Israel’s actions.

Professor Jorge Heine notes that Brazil’s renewed foreign policy under Lula is marked by a strategic expansion of influence, leveraging its pivotal position between North and South, East and West, and its commitment to tackling global issues. Brazil’s leadership in calling for a ceasefire and humanitarian access in Gaza exemplifies this approach, positioning the country as a voice for the Global South and a defender of multilateralism amid a crisis of international institutions.

Domestic Political Polarization and Challenges

Brazil’s Gaza policy has not been without controversy at home. The conflict has intensified political polarization, with the Lula administration facing criticism from right-wing factions aligned with former President Jair Bolsonaro, who maintains strong ties with Israel. Bolsonaro supporters have framed the conflict in binary terms, accusing Lula of siding with Hamas, despite his condemnation of violence from all parties.

This polarization is exemplified by symbolic gestures such as the Brazilian Amazon state of Rondônia awarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the title of “honorary citizen,” despite the ongoing assault on Gaza. The Lula government’s proactive stance, including its support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, has further deepened domestic divisions.

Moreover, Brazil’s diplomatic efforts have sometimes led to tensions with Israel. For example, Israel’s ambassador to Brazil met with Bolsonaro and opposition parliamentarians to present a narrative emphasizing Hamas atrocities, which Lula’s administration viewed as an attempt to undermine its position. These internal and external pressures complicate Brazil’s efforts to maintain an independent and principled foreign policy.

Geopolitical and Strategic Implications

Brazil’s position on Gaza also intersects with broader geopolitical dynamics. Its active non-alignment policy seeks to avoid entanglement in the US-China rivalry, focusing instead on national interests and global South solidarity. However, this stance carries risks, including potential US economic pressures such as tariffs on BRICS countries that challenge the US dollar’s dominance.

Despite these challenges, Brazil continues to assert its leadership role, hosting major international summits and advocating for peace and humanitarian principles. Its efforts to convene dialogue, promote ceasefires, and provide aid reflect a comprehensive approach that combines moral leadership with pragmatic diplomacy.

Brazil’s role in the Gaza crisis under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is marked by a bold and unequivocal condemnation of violence, a principled defense of international law and humanitarian values, and active engagement in multilateral diplomacy. By labeling Israel’s actions as “premeditated genocide,” Brazil has positioned itself at the forefront of global solidarity for Gaza, advocating for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilians.

At the same time, Brazil navigates complex domestic political divisions and geopolitical pressures, balancing its commitment to a two-State solution and humanitarian action with the realities of international power dynamics. Its leadership within BRICS and the Global South reflects a strategic vision of active non-alignment, seeking to reshape global diplomacy in favor of justice and peace.

Brazil’s unwavering stance and multifaceted response underscore its determination: 

“We won’t stop until the genocide ends.” 

This commitment places Brazil as a critical actor in the ongoing quest for peace and human dignity in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.