Celso Amorim Backs Minimal Israel Ties, Lula Accuses Israel of Genocide at BRICS Event, Criticizes UN

Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim advocated for maintaining minimal diplomatic relations with Israel and stated that Brazil should not accept a new Israeli ambassador. This position was expressed amid ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Gaza. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sharply criticized the United Nations for its inability to prevent what he described as a "genocide" in Gaza, lamenting the organization's lack of political leadership and influence. Lula reiterated accusations against Israel regarding the violence in Gaza during a BRICS event, emphasizing the UN's diminished capacity to broker peace or halt the conflict. Meanwhile, Brazilian diplomat Mauro Vieira contested claims that the BRICS bloc opposes Western countries, highlighting the group's adaptability to global changes.