The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, in a statement released this Tuesday (1st), that it follows with “serious concern” the land invasion by the Israeli army in southern Lebanon.
The Brazilian government also reiterated its appeal to all parties involved in the conflict to reach a “permanent and comprehensive ceasefire” with “maximum urgency”.
However, the statement made no mention of the missiles fired by Iran against Israel this Tuesday (1st).
According to the Itamaraty Palace, since September 17, Israeli air strikes on Lebanon have caused the deaths of more than a thousand people, including two Brazilian teenagers.
“In reaffirming the defense of full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, Brazil urges Israel to immediately stop land incursions and air attacks on densely populated civilian areas in that country,” Itamaraty said in a statement.
In the statement, the Brazilian government also recalled the need to comply with the United Nations Security Council resolution and end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Repatriation of Brazilians
As shown by the CNNthe first aircraft takes off this Wednesday (2). The flight will leave from Galeão Air Base, in Rio de Janeiro.
The KC-30 has capacity for up to 240 passengers and is scheduled to leave the country at 0:30 am with two crews on board. They are made up of pilots, mechanics and flight attendants. There will also be a health team, with a doctor and psychologist, who will provide first care to Brazilians.
The statement released this Tuesday by Itamaraty highlights that the Brazilian Embassy in Beirut monitors the situation of Brazilians in the country and that the authorities are in permanent contact with this group.
”The Brazilian government reiterates its warning for everyone to leave the conflagrated areas, follow the security guidelines of local authorities and, for those who have the resources to do so, try to leave Lebanese territory by their own means. Beirut airport continues to operate for commercial flights. The Itamaraty consular duty number is still available, in case of need: +55 (61) 98260-0610 (with WhatsApp).
Land invasion
The Israeli army says soldiers, including paratroopers and battalion commandos, as well as armored corps troops, are “preparing for limited, localized and targeted operations in southern Lebanon, which began yesterday (Monday to Tuesday) at night”.
Soldiers have been training in northern Israel in recent weeks, the military said, after the plans were approved.
The military said the soldiers gained skills and operational experience in Gaza over many months.
“They have moved north and are now operating in the northern arena after making the necessary adjustments to fight in Lebanon,” he said.
The Israeli army previously said it had begun “a limited ground operation” in southern Lebanon aimed at destroying Hezbollah. There will be no “long-term occupation” of Lebanon, Israeli officials said, but declined to provide a timeline.
