Brazil's move to recall its ambassador from Israel has ignited a diplomatic showdown after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva compared Israel's Gaza actions to the Holocaust.
"I declare the ongoing conflict in Gaza isn't a war, it's a genocide, much like when Hitler decided to kill the Jews," exclaimed Lula da Silva during a fiery press conference at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa. Lula's remarks drew swift condemnation from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who branded them "disgraceful and grave."
In a retaliatory strike, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly labeled Lula persona non grata in Israel until he retracted his statements, delivering the message directly to Brazil's ambassador. The move forced Brazil to recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv for consultations, with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoning Israel's ambassador to Brazil for a heated face-off in Rio de Janeiro.
Facing a backlash at home, Lula was accused of stoking anti-Semitism by the Brazil-Israel Institute, which slammed his comments as "vulgar" and incendiary. The escalating conflict underscores the volatile nature of discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict and lays bare the raw nerves and animosity that run deep between the two nations.
Lula, who previously condemned Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel as terrorist acts, faced a backlash at home for his latest remarks. The Brazil-Israel Institute slammed his comments as "vulgar," warning of their potential to fuel anti-Semitism.
Since October 7th, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, several other countries have also recalled their ambassadors in response to Israel's relentless actions against Gaza.
Turkey, known for its vocal support of Palestinian rights, swiftly recalled its ambassador for consultations.
Similarly, Bolivia, a nation with a history of standing against perceived injustices, severed diplomatic ties with Israel, citing "disproportionate attacks" in Gaza. Honduras, under President Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, echoed Brazil's concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called back its ambassador for consultations.
Colombia, amidst political shifts under President Gustavo Petro's leftist government, expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people by recalling its ambassador from Israel.
Chile, home to the largest Palestinian population outside the Arab world, took a firm stance against Israel's actions, recalling its ambassador in protest.
Bahrain's decision to halt economic ties with Israel and recall its ambassador signals a significant departure from recent diplomatic normalization efforts.
Jordan's recall of its ambassador also reflected the country's long-standing support for the Palestinian cause and condemnation of Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
The diplomatic withdrawals highlight the deepening international concern over the conflict and reflect a growing consensus among countries to take a stand against what they perceive as disproportionate violence.
As tensions continue to mount, the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis in Gaza becomes increasingly evident.