Brazil’s government sent a plane to Rome, Italy, as part of its plan to bring Brazilians home from Israel and Palestine.
The plane, an Airbus A330-200, landed in Rome after flying for nine hours from Natal, Brazil.
Next, the Brazilian Air Force FAB plans to fly this plane to Tel Aviv on Tuesday. The first group of Brazilians will then return home.
Another KC-30 plane, two KC-390s, and two Presidential planes are ready for more repatriation trips.
The second KC-30 is set to depart for Rome later today. According to Brazil’s foreign ministry, about 30 Brazilians live in Gaza, and 60 more in other conflict areas.
Around 1,700 Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Brazilians have shown interest in returning. These are mostly tourists.
In total, approximately 14,000 Brazilians live in Israel and 6,000 in Palestine. Most are not in the areas affected by recent attacks.
Background
Brazil’s action to bring its citizens home shows the country is taking the Israel-Palestine conflict seriously.
Brazil has relationships with both Israel and Palestine, making this a delicate issue. The country also has diverse communities, including Jewish and Arab groups, adding complexity.
Using various types of planes shows Brazil’s commitment to this mission. This move is part of Brazil’s bigger foreign policy picture, balancing diplomacy and citizen safety.
Brazil has repatriated its citizens before, but the scale this time is significant because many Brazilians live in both Israel and Palestine.
The operation focuses on Brazilians in conflict zones, but many others live in safer areas of these countries.
Their long-term safety is also a concern for Brazil. Overall, this effort reflects Brazil’s ongoing, complicated ties with a volatile region.