Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has accused the United Nations and other global institutions of failing to protect civilians in Gaza, saying they have “stopped working” amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Lula Says UN Has Lost Its Capacity to Act
Speaking in Malaysia after a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed deep frustration over the UN’s inability to prevent violence in Gaza. He claimed that international organizations — particularly the UN Security Council — have “stopped working” and no longer fulfill their mandate to maintain peace.
Lula described the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “intolerable” and referred to Israel’s military actions as a “genocide” — a charge that Israel has strongly rejected as false and inflammatory.
The remarks came just days before the ASEAN Summit, where Lula is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss global peace efforts and multilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic Rift Between Brazil and Israel Deepens
Tensions between Brazil and Israel have intensified in recent months. In August 2025, Israel downgraded diplomatic ties after Brazil refused to approve its ambassadorial nominee, citing Lula’s “hostile stance.”
The diplomatic rift reflects a wider global divide over the Gaza war, which erupted following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and led to over 250 hostages being taken.
Lula’s Broader Critique of Western Diplomacy
Lula also took an indirect swipe at former U.S. President Donald Trump, remarking that “walking with your head held high is more important than a Nobel Prize.” The comment appeared to reference Trump’s frustration at being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize despite his involvement in ceasefire talks.
The Brazilian leader’s latest comments highlight his growing criticism of Western-led diplomacy and his call for reforms in global governance. Lula has consistently pushed for a more balanced international order, with greater representation for the Global South.
Brazil’s Push for Global Reform
Analysts say Lula’s remarks underscore Brazil’s ambition to position itself as an independent global voice advocating for peace, justice, and UN reform. His call to strengthen global institutions echoes long-standing demands from emerging economies seeking fairer decision-making power in multilateral organizations.
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Source
Times of Israel – Brazil’s Lula Says UN ‘Stopped Working,’ Failed to Halt Gaza War