New York: In a powerful gesture of solidarity that has since gone viral on social media, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva approached and kissed Colombian President Gustavo Petro on the forehead at the United Nations General Assembly. The remarkable moment occurred just after Petro concluded a scathing speech fiercely criticizing Israel.
During his address to the assembly, President Petro accused Israel of committing “genocide” against the Palestinian people. He called for the formation of an international military coalition, led by Asian nations, to “liberate Palestine” and urged the international community to block ships carrying weapons to Israel.
Immediately following the fiery speech, President Lula left his seat, walked over to the Colombian delegation, and placed a respectful kiss on Petro’s head, an act that has drawn significant international attention. Both leaders are known for their critical stances on Israel’s policies. The gesture is being widely interpreted as a strong endorsement of Petro’s position. Colombia has already suspended all weapons purchases from Israel.
The incident was part of a wider wave of protest against Israel at the UNGA session. On Friday, delegates from dozens of countries staged a mass walkout as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rose to deliver his speech. Protests were also heard from within the assembly hall during his address.
Simultaneously, thousands of pro-Palestine supporters blocked traffic in New York’s Times Square, demanding the arrest of Netanyahu. Protesters cited an International Criminal Court warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza and called for his immediate detention.
