Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) has asked Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for support in releasing the hostages kidnapped by the terrorist militia Hamas. “I thank President Abbas for his efforts to ensure the release of the hostages,” Nehammer said Monday after a telephone conversation with Abbas. The chancellor had wanted to speak to Abbas by telephone during his visit to Israel on October 25, but Abbas canceled all appointments at short notice.
“The innocent civilians, including an Austrian, kidnapped by Hamas must be released unconditionally. Numerous discussions are currently taking place across all political and diplomatic channels. Austria will remain actively involved in this,” Nehammer said in the conversation with Abbas, according to the Federal Chancellery.
Violence in the West Bank was a problem
In the “detailed telephone conversation,” the Chancellor emphasized “the need for the unconditional release of the hostages by Hamas and the prospect of a long-term political solution in the sense of a two-state solution.” The increasing violence in the West Bank was also a topic of discussion. The Chancellor was concerned about this. An escalation must be avoided. The Palestinian Authority, led by Abbas, governs only the West Bank, which is militarily occupied by Israel.
Hamas bears “full responsibility for the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip,” Nehammer reiterated the position that the terrorist group is “holding hostage” the civilian population in the Palestinian territory and using them as a “human shield.” “They deliberately barricade themselves in the immediate vicinity of schools and hospitals, deliberately endangering the lives of citizens.” It is very important that humanitarian aid reaches Gaza via Egypt, but care must be taken to ensure that aid reaches the population. “and not fall into the hands of Hamas.”
The government met with religious representatives
The conflict in the Middle East was also discussed during a government meeting with religious representatives. In addition to Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) and Education Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP), the leaders of the larger Christian churches, the Islamic religious community and the Israelite religious community also took part in the meeting. in the Chancellery.
According to a statement from the Chancellery, participants during the meeting emphasized that there is no place for any form of hatred, violence and discrimination in our society. All religious communities should enjoy equal protection and recognition, the report said. The attack by the terrorist organization Hamas must not be used to stir up hatred and anti-Semitism in Austria.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
