One year after Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack on Israel, the situation in the Middle East is tense to the breaking point. Hamas continues to fire rockets at Israel every day. In addition, the conflict has spread beyond borders: proxies are spreading the violence to Syria, Yemen and Lebanon, and the humanitarian consequences for the people in the region are devastating. Since October 7th, Austria has already provided 37 million euros in humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza and the region.
„365 days later, people’s suffering and the spiral of violence must finally come to an end. We cannot afford for a firestorm to rage across the region and beyond. Everyone would lose“,
says Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.
“It is high time for a ceasefire! “It is crucial to ensuring that the remaining hostages are released and more aid can be brought to Gaza to improve the devastating humanitarian situation.”,
Schallenberg continues.
The Austrian-Israeli father Tal Shoham is still among the hostages. The Foreign Ministry and the Austrian Embassy in Tel Aviv have been in close contact with his family since day 1 and are providing them with support. His release is our top priority. Intensive efforts are underway at all levels to achieve this. Foreign Minister Schallenberg is also in intensive contact with his counterparts in Israel and the Arab world.
At the same time, Schallenberg urgently appeals to break the vicious circle of violence in Lebanon and neighboring countries. A political solution is inevitable:
“We must strengthen those sensible voices in the region who are committed to a peaceful solution. This is the only way Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. This is the only way to save future generations from the trauma and suffering we are currently experiencing,”
said Foreign Minister Schallenberg in conclusion.
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