Latin American leaders urge end to Gaza genocide in UN addresses

Leaders of Brazil, Chile, and Colombia have condemned Israel's genocidal war in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, the Latin American leaders advocated for Palestinian rights, highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemned the Israeli actions as genocidal, and criticized the inaction of global powers on Israel's war in the Gaza Strip.

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva underscored the severity of the humanitarian and security crisis in Gaza

"In Gaza and the West Bank, we are witnessing one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history, and it is now spilling over dangerously into Lebanon... What began as self-defense has turned into the collective punishment of the Palestinians," he said.

Chile’s President Gabriel Boric raised alarm over the mounting death toll in Gaza caused by Israeli genocidal war.

"From Chile, we call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian population, which has already claimed more than 40,000 lives," he said. 

He said, "Israel must respect international law, stop the establishment and expansion of illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, and end the massacre in Gaza and the indiscriminate attacks it has been carrying out on the civilian population."

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, whose recent call for a boycott on coal exports to Tel Aviv made headlines, was another vocal advocate for Palestine, decrying the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide.

"They do not listen to us when we vote to stop the genocide in Gaza," said Petro, criticizing the inaction and silence of world powers toward calls for an immediate cessation of Israeli military offensive.

"If we ask them to stop wars and focus on the rapid transformation of the world economy to save life and the human species, they will not listen. When Gaza dies, all of humanity will die. Today, we have 20,000 dead children."

The General Assembly saw further calls to denounce the Israeli "persecution of the Palestinians" from the presidents of Cuba, Bolivia, and El Salvador.

The United States has consistently vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza since October 2023.

On October 18, the US vetoed a resolution drafted by Brazil, which called for a humanitarian pause in Gaza, allowing aid access and preventing further civilian casualties.

On October 25, the US vetoed a resolution proposed by Russia, urging an immediate ceasefire.

On November 1, the US blocked a resolution submitted by the UAE, calling for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians.

On November 8, the US vetoed a resolution drafted by China, which focused on an immediate ceasefire and provisions for humanitarian assistance.

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