Another group of returnees from Gaza arrives in Brazil
In the early hours of Monday (Dec. 11), another group of Brazilians repatriated from the Gaza Strip touched down in Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force's KC-30 aircraft landed at Brasília Air Base at 3:47 a.m. after a 15-hour flight.
Comprising 48 individuals, the group includes 11 with dual citizenship (Brazil-Palestine) and 37 Palestinians, relatives of Brazilian citizens. Among them are 27 children and teenagers, 17 women (including two elderly women), and four adult men. A 22-year-old woman, who was already in Egypt, joined the group. She is the daughter of one of the members of the group of returnees from Gaza.
Permission to cross the Rafah border from Gaza to Egypt was granted on Saturday (9). From there, they traveled to Cairo by bus, where Brazilian diplomats met them before their journey back to Brazil.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that, of the 102 people on Brazil's list sent to Israeli authorities, 24 were not permitted to cross the border, including seven Palestinian Brazilians, mainly men. The Brazilian government was unable to explain the reasons for the denial. According to the Brazilian presidential palace, there are no plans for a new repatriation flight at this moment.
“Upon arrival in Brasília, the returnees will spend the initial two to three days receiving psychological support, immunization, reconnecting with family, and addressing documentation issues. Some will go to the homes of family and friends, while others will be accommodated in the Social Assistance System, receiving comprehensive support for shelter and food,” as explained by André Quintão, the National Secretary for Social Assistance.
Among the returnees is Yasmeen Rabee, sister of Hasan Rabee, who had come earlier with his wife and children on another flight that brought Brazilians from Gaza.
"They bombed our house, and we had no food or a fixed place to live," said Yasmeen, who has now arrived with her mother. When asked about the situation in Gaza, the main attack zone, she became emotional. "The situation is terrible; you go to sleep not knowing if you'll wake up. I've lost many friends, my aunt, and her children," she expressed.
Operation Returning in Peace
Operation Returning in Peace has been pivotal in facilitating the repatriation of 1,524 Brazilians and Palestinian-Brazilians, including pets, from the Gaza Strip and Israeli cities since the onset of the conflict in October. The Brazilian Air Force has executed a total of 11 repatriation flights as part of this operation.
