"Brazil's President Lula's Gaza Comments Escalate Diplomatic Row with Israel"
Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Israel and Israel has declared Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva persona non grata after Lula compared Israel’s military campaign in Gaza to the Holocaust. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Lula’s comments as "disgraceful and grave," prompting Israel to declare Lula unwelcome until he retracts his statement. In response, Brazil summoned Israel’s ambassador for a meeting and recalled its own ambassador for consultations. Lula, who also faced backlash at home, had previously condemned attacks on Israel but has since criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.