Brazil–Palestine relations


Brazil–Palestine relations refers to the current and historical bilateral relationship between Brazil and Palestine. Brazil officially recognized the Palestinian state on December 5, 2010. However, Brazil has not established full diplomatic ties with the Palestinians. As of March 2015, Brazil has not upgraded its Representative Office in Ramallah to a diplomatic mission, keeping its diplomatic ties with Palestine to the pre-recognition stance.

Palestinian statehood

Brazil has firmly stressed its support for a Palestinian state within the borders of 1967, having Jerusalem as its capital. The Brazilian Government has also advocated the end of the blockade of the Gaza Strip. On 5 December 2010, it formally recognized the State of Palestine in the 1967 borders, including all of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. The move initiated a chain reaction through the region. Given Brazil’s economic prominence, its South American neighbors likely saw low political risks in following Brasília’s lead. In her address to the General Assembly, President Dilma Rousseff reiterated her country's firm support: "We believe the time has come for us to have Palestine fully represented as a full member in this forum." Brazil voted in favor of Palestine's admission as a full member of UNESCO and has announced it will support Palestine's full membership application when it comes to a vote at the Security Council.
However, Brazil has not established full diplomatic ties with the Palestinians. As of March 2015, Brazil has not upgraded its Representative Office in Ramallah to a diplomatic mission, keeping its diplomatic ties with Palestine to the pre-recognition stance. Such offices assume some of the non-diplomatic functions of diplomatic posts, such as promoting trade interests. They are nevertheless not diplomatic missions, their personnel are not diplomats and do not have diplomatic visas.
Following the 2018 Brazilian Presidential Election, President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, a staunch pro-Israel individual, stated that he would close the Palestinian embassy, and stated that Palestine 'is not a country'