Lula talks to Israeli president and calls for humanitarian corridor
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a phone conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Thursday (Oct. 12). In a social media post, Lula expressed gratitude to the president for his support in evacuating Brazilians from Israel. He also reiterated Brazil's condemnation of the attacks by the Hamas group, which he labeled as terrorist acts.
"I thanked him for his support in evacuating Brazilians who wish to return to our country. I reaffirmed Brazil's condemnation of the terrorist attacks and our solidarity towards the families of the victims," he stated.
Lula further urged the Israeli head of state to ensure a consistent supply of water, electricity, and medical provisions to hospitals in the Gaza Strip. He also appealed for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the safe departure of people from Gaza, the most severely affected region in Palestine, currently enduring airstrikes and a military blockade.
"It is unacceptable for innocent people to suffer due to the recklessness of those seeking war. I conveyed my request for a humanitarian corridor to allow people who wish to exit the Gaza Strip through Egypt to do so safely. Brazil is committed to contributing to a path towards peace," he added.
In Israel, the government operates on a parliamentary system, with the president serving as the head of state, elected by the country's parliament. The executive role is fulfilled by the prime minister, the head of government, chosen from the party or coalition that secures the majority of seats in the legislature. Currently, Benjamin Netanyahu holds this position.
The violence in Israel and Palestine entered its sixth day on Thursday (12), marked by ongoing heavy shelling in the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians. Local authorities have reported over 1,200 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries, with at least 180,000 people displaced.
In Israel, according to public broadcaster Kan, the death toll had risen to 1,300 since last Saturday (7), when violent attacks by the Islamist group Hamas commenced.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) also issued a warning on Thursday (12) about the critically low levels of essential supplies, including food and water in Gaza, as a result of Israel's blockade of the enclave.
