Lula's videoconference with the Forum of Families of Hostages and Disappeared (Source: Prensa Latina)

Brasilia, October 27 (RHC)-- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemned Thursday the attacks against civilians in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which to date have caused the death of more than seven thousand people, including women and children.

The Planalto Palace (seat of the Executive Power) reported that such reprobation arose after the videoconference held by Lula with the Forum of Families of Hostages and Disappeared, which gathers relatives of people under such conditions or who were captured by the Hamas movement in Israel on October 7.

The audiovisual connection took place at the request of the Families Forum, by means of a letter addressed to the Brazilian President after the beginning of the armed confrontation in the Middle East.

After listening to the families of those kidnapped, Lula not only condemned the attacks against civilians, under any circumstances, but also emphasized the importance of the people directly affected by the war to be heard.   He recalled that, on both sides of the conflict, there are people who want peace.

Family members recounted stories of capture and loss of contact with relatives, some of whom suffer from chronic illnesses and are without their ongoing medication.  In most cases, there is not even evidence that they are alive.

Expressing his solidarity, Lula said that, as a father and grandfather, he shares the pain of the affected families and affirmed that Brazil is also mourning what has happened.

He reiterated that he is personally committed to the construction of peace, the release of the hostages and the opening of a humanitarian corridor in the Gaza Strip.

He assured that he addressed the issue as a priority in his talks with international leaders on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

The head of state was in contact with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, France, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Qatar and the European Council.

He recalled that the resolution submitted by Brazil to the UN Security Council, which received broad support from the members, but was vetoed by the United States, contained an express reference to the need for the immediate release of all the hostages, some 220, according to the Israeli authorities.

Unexpectedly, Hamas' military wing launched an unprecedented offensive on October 7 against towns located mostly in areas occupied by Tel Aviv in the West Bank for more than 75 years.

In response to this onslaught, the Israeli army launched Operation Iron Swords and launched several waves of attacks on the Gaza Strip.    (Source: PL)