The conflict in the Middle East claimed a Brazilian victim this Wednesday (25). A 15-year-old teenager died in Lebanon after a series of bombings by Israeli troops. Ali Kamal Abdallah was hit in the Beqaa Valley, 30 kilometers from Beirut.
The teenager’s father is Paraguayan and also died in the explosions. The Brazilian embassy in Lebanon is in contact with the family.
Earlier, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Lula gave an interview to the press after his last commitment at the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), in New York.
“It is important to remember that the total number of deaths in Lebanon is 620 people. It is the highest number of deaths since the civil war that lasted between 1975 and 1990. It is also important to remember that 94 women and 50 children died, 2,058 people were injured and 10,000 people were forced to retreat and empty their homes,” said Lula.
>> Watch on TV Brasil: Brazilian woman in Lebanon talks about last week’s terror
Repudiation
On Monday (23), the Brazilian government condemned “in the strongest terms” the continued Israeli airstrikes against civilian areas in Beirut, southern Lebanon (photo) and the Beqaa Valley. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also recommended that Brazilians leave the conflict area. Beirut airport remains open, but the government is evaluating the need for a repatriation operation.
Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group have been exchanging fire across the border since the current Gaza war began last year, sparked by an attack by Hezbollah’s ally Hamas, but Israel has stepped up its military campaign in the past week.
In notethe Itamaraty regretted the statements by Israeli authorities in favor of military operations and the occupation of part of Lebanese territory and expressed “grave concern” over the Israeli government’s calls for Lebanese civilians to evacuate their homes in those regions.
“Brazil renews its appeal to the parties involved to immediately cease the attacks, in order to halt the worrying escalation of tensions, which threatens to lead the region to a conflict of large proportions, with a severe negative impact on civilian populations.”
Assistance
According to Itamaraty, the Brazilian embassy in Beirut continues to provide assistance and guidance to the Brazilian community, with which it maintains permanent contact.
If necessary, it is recommended to contact the consular office at Itamaraty by calling +55 (61) 98260-0610 (WhatsApp).
