Overview

• In a special session led by Senator Sergio Moro, the Senate honored victims of the 2023 Hamas attacks, called for the release of remaining hostages, affirmed Israel’s right to exist, opposed antisemitism, and urged peace.
• Conib president Claudio Lottenberg labeled Hamas as terror, accused the group of ties to Iran and of diverting Gaza resources to tunnels, and said Brazil has positioned itself against Israel while stoking antisemitism.
• Senator Jorge Seif defended Israel’s military response as self‑defense, rejected negotiations with Hamas, and urged the group’s complete annihilation.
• Government leader and PT senator Jaques Wagner said Hamas must be exterminated but cautioned against conflating Israel with the Netanyahu government, added criticism of Israeli policy, and voiced support for dialogue and a cease‑fire.
• Brazilian survivor Rafael Zimerman recounted the Oct. 7 atrocities, criticized President Lula’s suggestion to write to Israel’s prime minister, and condemned Brazil’s withdrawal from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.