“Even 80 Years After the Fall of Fascism and the Founding of the UN, We Are Witnessing Israeli Genocide in Gaza — A Deep Tragedy” – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

“Even 80 Years After the Fall of Fascism and the Founding of the UN, We Are Witnessing Israeli Genocide in Gaza — A Deep Tragedy” – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
[Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | July 8, 2025]

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced grave concerns over the situation in Palestine, climate change, global peace, and the weakness of multilateral frameworks during his opening speech at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

He stated:
“Even 80 years after the fall of fascism and the founding of the United Nations, we are witnessing Israeli genocide in Gaza — this is truly heartbreaking.”

❖ Lula's Position on Gaza:

Lula strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying:
“We cannot remain silent in the face of genocide, the indiscriminate killing of civilians, and the use of hunger as a weapon of war by Israel in Gaza.”

He emphasized:
“The only path to a lasting resolution of this crisis lies in ending Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.”

❖ On Iran and Ukraine:

Supporting Iran’s territorial sovereignty, Lula stated:
“We condemn any form of violation of Iran’s sovereignty.”

On the war in Ukraine, he said:
“There is an urgent need for direct dialogue to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peace. The fear of nuclear catastrophe has once again returned to haunt us.”

❖ Lula Sees BRICS as an “Alternative Global Force”:

He asserted:
“BRICS can lead the structural transformation of the global economy. It is committed to fair, sustainable, and inclusive development.”

He further added:
“At a time when multilateralism is under attack, we must consolidate our autonomy and voice. BRICS should become the modern successor of the Non-Aligned Movement.”

❖ U.S. Threats and the Push for a Dollar Alternative:

President Donald Trump issued a warning, stating:
“If BRICS moves to use alternative currencies in global trade, we will impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from BRICS nations.”

❖ China and Russia's Role:

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the summit for the first time; Premier Li Qiang represented China instead.

Russian President Vladimir Putin joined the summit via video conference.

❖ BRICS: History, Expansion, and Present Status

Formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC), the group later welcomed South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Today, the BRICS bloc:

• Represents over half the world’s population

• Contributes to nearly 40% of global economic output

❖ Six Strategic Priorities of the Summit:

1. Cooperation in global healthcare

2. Trade, investment, and economic stability

3. Tackling climate change

4. Regulation and safety of artificial intelligence

5. Peace and security

6. Institutional development