Meinl-Reisinger: Austria stands by Israel despite EU criticism!

Meinl-Reisinger: Austria stands by Israel despite EU criticism!

In a special interview on the situation in the Middle East, Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) found clear words. She defended the signing of an EU letter to Israel demanding compliance with international humanitarian law. “It is important to call on Israel to enable humanitarian aid for Gaza and to end the cycle of violence,” said Meinl-Reisinger in an interview with Armin Wolf in ZiB2. At the same time, she emphasized that she stands with Israel and recognizes its right to exist, especially in the context of the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7th (OE24 reports that...).

The minister made it clear that this EU letter does not represent a change of course in Austria's foreign policy. The signing, supported by 28 foreign ministers, aims for an unconditional ceasefire and calls for the release of all hostages. At the same time, a political process for a peaceful future between Israel and Palestine is called for. She also rejected the Israelite Community's accusation that the letter would fuel hatred and anti-Semitism.

Call for a ceasefire and humanitarian respect

In a joint statement, foreign ministers from more than two dozen countries called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip. Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire in order to improve the humanitarian situation of the local people. “The killing in Gaza must stop,” she added, while raising criticism of Israel’s failure to meet humanitarian standards. The ongoing situation in Gaza is also addressed, where access to food and medical care is severely limited (Kleine Zeitung reports that...).

The Austrian Foreign Minister also emphasized that the EU letter's view of Hamas remains critical, despite not being named as a terrorist organization. Meinl-Reisinger rejects the call for sanctions against Israel because she does not believe it makes sense to terminate the EU Association Agreement.

Austria's role and commitment in the peace process

Austria has a traditional foreign policy interest in the peace process in the Middle East. The aim is to support a negotiated and lasting two-state solution. To this end, the Austrian government maintains intensive contacts with the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA in order to be active in areas such as healthcare and the environment. A representative office was opened in Ramallah in 1998 in order to further expand diplomatic relations (BMEIA reports that...).

The EU and numerous European states have always advocated a peaceful solution in the region and support humanitarian aid in the Palestinian areas. Austria is an active supporter of these initiatives and recognizes the challenges arising from the stationary conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors, especially Syria and Lebanon (BMEIA reports that...).

Given the complex geopolitical situation, it is to be hoped that diplomatic efforts and international pressure can lead to a stabilization of the situation. In times like these, it is important to maintain dialogue and strengthen voices of reason.