Austria has called on Israel to immediately end attacks targeting civilian areas in Lebanon, expressing deep concern over the escalating conflict and its humanitarian consequences.
In a statement released on Thursday, Austria’s foreign ministry stressed that military actions affecting civilian infrastructure must stop without delay. The government also highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of Austrian troops serving in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Austria, traditionally considered one of Israel’s stronger allies within the European Union, voiced alarm over the intensifying violence between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters. Officials warned that the situation is rapidly worsening, with over one million people reportedly displaced due to the ongoing clashes.
The statement underlined that protecting civilians remains a top priority, alongside safeguarding Austrian personnel deployed as part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Around 160 Austrian soldiers are currently involved in support operations such as logistics, transport, equipment maintenance, fuel supply, and emergency response services.
Recent Israeli airstrikes have been described as among the most significant in Lebanon since hostilities reignited last month. The escalation comes despite growing international calls—including from France, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—for broader de-escalation efforts following a temporary truce between the United States and Iran.
Rather than linking Lebanon to that ceasefire, Austria emphasized the need to restore stability by returning to a previously agreed truce between Israel and Hezbollah reached in November 2024.
Austrian officials reiterated that preventing further civilian suffering and stabilizing the region should be the immediate focus of all parties involved.
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