Joint statement by members of the National Council and members of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel

2023-10-07 16:09:04

Vienna (OTS) – “We are appalled by the brutal war of terror unleashed by Hamas against Israeli civilians this morning. The Palestinian terrorists have fired thousands of rockets and infiltrated Israeli cities, where they have reportedly killed and kidnapped Israeli civilians. We are following the news of hundreds of Israeli victims with great concern. On behalf of the members and supporters of the Transatlantic Friends of Israel (TFI), a non-partisan parliamentary group of Austrian representatives, we reiterate our unwavering support for Israel in its hour of need.”

“The Jewish state – our most important democratic ally in the region – like all sovereign states has not only the right but also the duty under international law to protect its citizens from terror and missiles. We call on European leaders to stand with Israel and fully support its right to self-defense. As this unprecedented attack continues to unfold and Israel prepares for a potentially protracted war, it is, as always, time for moral clarity. Europe must clearly condemn Hamas and Islamic Jihad – Iranian-funded terrorist organizations dedicated to the destruction of Israel. Hamas and Islamic Jihad are committing the dual war crime of murdering Israeli civilians while using their own people as human shields. Especially in this age of disinformation, misinformation and propaganda, it is important that EU leaders loudly reiterate this fundamental truth.”

“Finally, it is also time for EU heads of state and government to rethink their Iran policy. Both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad are funded and supported by Iran. From its support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to its nuclear violations, the spread of terror and war throughout the region and even here in Europe, Tehran is a major threat to international peace and security. We must find an appropriate response to this challenge.”

Member of the National Council

Mag. Martin Engelberg (ÖVP)
Andreas Minnich (ÖVP)
Andreas Kühberger (ÖVP)
Dipl.-Kffr. (FH) Liesi Pfurtscheller (ÖVP)
Eng. Mag. (FH) Alexandra Mark (ÖVP)
Andreas Ottenschläger (ÖVP)
Franz Hörl (ÖVP)
Mag. Dr. A.S. Therese Niss, MBA (VVP)
Mag. Rudolf Taschner (ÖVP)
Mag. Romana Deckenbacher (ÖVP)
Mag. Carmen Jeitler-Cincelli, BA (ÖVP)
Axel Melchior (ÖVP)
Mag. Johanna Jachs (ÖVP)

Petra Bayr, MA MLS (SPÖ)
Mag. Dr. A.S. Petra Oberrauner (SPÖ)

Mag. Eva Blimlinger (Greens)
David Stögmüller (Greens)

Mag. Yannick Shetty (NEOS)
Dr. Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS)
Dr. A.S. Johannes Margreiter (NEOS)

Member of the Federal Council

Florian Krumböck, BA (ÖVP)