PRESS RELEASE The Brazilian government condemns in the strongest terms the continuing Israeli air strikes against civilian areas in Beirut, southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, which, today alone, the 23rd, have caused at least 492 deaths and left more than 1600 injured. (1/3)

It also deplores statements by Israeli authorities in favour of military operations and the occupation of part of Lebanese territory and expresses grave concern at exhortations by the Israeli government for Lebanese civilians to evacuate their homes in those areas. (2/3)