Rising Tensions in the Middle East — State Department

Over the past few days, Brazil has followed with concern the escalation of tensions in and around the Middle East. Military attacks, including the use of missiles, have occurred with alarming frequency, against targets in several countries in the region, including Lebanon, Israel, and most recently Syria, with material damage occurring in residential areas of Damascus. The spread of these events exacerbates the risk of expanding the scope of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The Brazilian Government urges all parties involved in these actions to exercise maximum restraint to avoid the spread of hostilities in the region.

Systematic gang attacks on maritime traffic in the Red Sea are also a cause for concern, with their impact already being felt on global trade and supply chains.

Brazil defends respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected countries, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter, and reaffirms that only dialogue can enable a solution that is satisfactory to all parties concerned and offers real prospects for lasting stability and peace.

The Brazilian government reaffirms that stopping the current cycle of hostilities in the Middle East necessarily requires the immediate adoption of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the resumption of concrete negotiations between Israel and Palestine with the aim of achieving a two-state solution. With the establishment of an economically viable Palestinian state that lives side by side with Israel in peace and security.