Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has sparked debate after likening Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza to the Holocaust, according to reports from local media.
During a press conference in Addis Ababa, where he was attending an African Union summit, Lula da Silva reportedly stated, “What’s happening in the Gaza Strip isn’t a war, it’s a genocide,” drawing parallels to the atrocities committed by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.
He further commented, “It’s not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It’s a war between a highly prepared army and women and children.”
Israel swiftly condemned the remarks, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz labelling them as “shameful” and “serious.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went on to accuse the Brazilian president of “trivialising the Holocaust” and attempting to undermine Israel’s right to self-defense.
The Israeli government announced plans to summon Brazil’s ambassador for an official protest in response to Lula da Silva’s statements.
The conflict between Israel and Gaza, which escalated following an October Hamas attack, has led to significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. The United Nations reports that the majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with severe shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, and medicine.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with a recent interim ruling urging Tel Aviv to halt genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza.