Speaking to reporters at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Lula da Silva declared: “What’s happening in the Gaza Strip isn’t a war, it’s a genocide.” He went on to draw parallels with historical events, stating: “What’s happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn’t happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews.”

The Brazilian president characterized the conflict as asymmetrical, highlighting the disparity between a highly trained military force and civilian populations, particularly women and children.

Israel's offensive in Gaza, which began following Hamas' Operation Al Aqsa Flood on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. According to reports, nearly 29,000 Palestinians have been killed, with a large portion of Gaza's infrastructure damaged or destroyed. The conflict has also led to acute shortages of essential supplies, pushing 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement.

The Israeli government faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January urging Tel Aviv to halt genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilian population. (ILKHA)