Gaza War: Meinl-Reisinger Sticks to Government Line

She continues to reject a suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel, it was stated on Thursday in an initial reaction to an open letter from 26 top diplomats, including former Foreign Ministers Benita Ferrero-Waldner (ÖVP) and Peter Jankowitsch (SPÖ). The top diplomats had called on Austria to follow critical words with actions.

Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) emphasized to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's approach in the Gaza Strip is "absolutely unacceptable," but also rejected concrete measures. "What exactly would improve for the Palestinian civilian population as a result? Hamas has it in their hands. They could release the hostages immediately and lay down their arms," he told the daily newspaper "Der Standard" (Thursday edition).

Open Letter Substantively Rejected

"The suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and funding programs, as well as the imposition of trade restrictions, should be seriously pursued," states the open letter available to the APA. The Foreign Ministry appreciates an open discussion culture, it was stated in the written response from Meinl-Reisinger, which was published by several media outlets, such as "Kurier," the Ö1 "Mittagsjournal" of ORF, and "Presse." However, the letter was substantively rejected. "The position of the Austrian government remains unchanged: Austria is fully committed to the security of Israel, its right to exist, and its legitimate right to self-defense. We condemn the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in the strongest terms and demand the immediate release of all hostages. At the same time, it is clear: The suffering of the Palestinian civilian population is not indifferent to us. The protection of civilians and respect for international law are indispensable."

The diplomats had called for a decisive stance from Austria. "It is high time that Austria also stands with the overwhelming majority of the international community to end the unbearable suffering in Gaza and finally bring about the release of the remaining hostages from the hands of Hamas," write the diplomats, including the current ambassador to Libya, Barbara Grosse, her colleague in Jordan, Marieke Zimburg, as well as the special envoy for the Western Balkans in the Foreign Ministry, Ulrike Hartmann. Other prominent signatories include former international representatives in Bosnia, Wolfgang Petritsch and Valentin Inzko, former EU ambassador Hans-Dietmar Schweisgut, and former ambassador to Washington, Eva Nowotny.

"Words Must Now Urgently Be Followed by Actions"

"Words must now urgently be followed by actions," demand ten women and 16 men. They also refer in their letter to an open letter from 209 former EU officials who had called for the implementation of steps commonly taken in armed conflicts worldwide. "First and foremost, a comprehensive arms embargo and sanctions against those who commit or support human rights violations, war crimes, and crimes against humanity." Grosse emphasized upon APA inquiry that the demand for these measures also applies to Israel.

"The international community is witnessing in Gaza in real-time an erosion of the rule-based post-war order: The use of hunger as a weapon of war, the complete destruction of civilian infrastructure, the targeted killing of civilians, medical personnel, journalists," criticize the diplomats. "Countless survivors, but also Israeli soldiers, report systematic war crimes."

Members of the UN human rights system and international criminal justice are being slandered and intimidated, recognized aid organizations discredited, the letter further states. "The Israeli leadership is now openly advocating the violent expulsion of the Palestinian population - which would make Israel a pariah state."

The diplomats argue that Austria has an immediate and existential interest in upholding international law. "Whether in Ukraine or in Gaza: Those who accept the most serious violations of international humanitarian law in one case without objection and action cannot credibly demand its application elsewhere," they warn. Furthermore, Austria, as a UN host state and candidate for a seat on the UN Security Council, has a special responsibility.

Diplomats: "Commendable Step"

That Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger signed a joint call by 30 foreign ministers in July for an immediate end to hostilities was "a domestically controversial and commendable step" and an "important signal of a coherent position of Austria in compliance with international law," emphasize the diplomats. "Well-intentioned words remain ineffective if not followed by corresponding actions. Europe must finally exert pressure towards a sustainable ceasefire and the release of all hostages, followed by the resumption of credible and result-oriented peace negotiations."

Israel's Ambassador Expresses Outrage

Israel's ambassador to Austria, David Roet, expressed outrage over the letter in a statement on Thursday. "Instead of holding the terrorist organization Hamas, which is responsible for this war, accountable, the letter points the finger at Israel and urges Austria to support unprecedented EU sanctions against the only democracy in the Middle East and a close ally of Austria." He emphasized: "Pointing the finger at Israel and imposing unprecedented sanctions against Israel will not help the Palestinian people. Pointing at Hamas, ending their reign of terror, and freeing the hostages could help."

The Greens supported the demands of the open letter. "I call on the other parliamentary parties to jointly convene an early meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee and invite the signatories for an exchange," wrote their foreign policy spokesperson Meri Disoski in a statement on Thursday. "Europe must no longer accompany this only with verbal appeals, but must finally act decisively and pressure the Israeli government to reverse course." Disoski called the position of the Foreign Minister "irresponsible and wrong in terms of foreign policy."

(APA/Red)

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