As the war in Gaza continues to exact a devastating toll on Palestinian civilians, voices from Latin America have become some of the most prominent and unwavering in condemning what many now describe as a genocide. From diplomatic ruptures and public condemnations to calls for economic embargoes and legal accountability, Latin American countries—led by progressive governments and driven by a powerful sense of moral and historical responsibility—have taken bold positions against Israeli actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Lula, known for his long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination, has accused Israel of genocide and likened its actions to the Holocaust—statements that led to his being declared “persona non grata” by the Israeli government.

On the economic front, the pressure is growing from within. On May 25, the National Federation of Oil Workers (FNP) and the United Federation of Oil Workers (FUP) sent an open letter to President Lula, demanding an immediate halt to Brazilian crude oil exports to Israel. The unions argued that Brazil, having exported approximately 2.7 million barrels of crude oil to Israel in 2024 alone, was indirectly fueling the Israeli war machine and complicit in crimes against humanity.

Further intensifying Brazil’s position, the government condemned, “in the strongest terms,” the Israeli announcement........

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