Savior in need: This is how Tal Shoham was freed from the catches of Hamas!

Savior in need: This is how Tal Shoham was freed from the catches of Hamas!

The spectacular liberation of the Austro-Israelis Tal Shoham from the claws of the terrorist organization Hamas was the result of a complex diplomatic "special operation". After 505 days in hostage, most of which he had to spend in the narrow, dark tunnels in the Gaza Strip, Shoham was freed on February 22, 2025. The Austrian federal government under the then Chancellor Karl Nehammer played a crucial role in this hostage deal and cleverly used its excellent contacts in the region. As the Krone , Shoham was awarded the Austrian citizenship a few months before his kidnapping, based on its family history.

Nehammer nominated the experienced diplomat Peter Lunsky-Tieffenthal as a special representative in the event and ensured that he tirelessly commuted between the control centers in Washington, Cairo, Qatar and Tel Aviv. Their work was of great importance because Shoham's story was spread by various Austrian journalists who helped him to be heard. The gratitude of his family was not only Nehammer, but also Donald Trump, whose influence contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the hostage deal.

visit to Chancellor in Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon

As part of the intensive diplomatic efforts, Chancellor Karl Nehammer plans an important trip to important stations in the region, including Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon. According to vienna.at , Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and Interior Minister Gerhard Karner will be accompanied. This trip includes political discussions, including the security situation on the border between Israel and Lebanon, the current situation in the Middle East as well as other topics such as energy supply and the fight against terrorism.

In Israel, a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem focuses on, which illustrates the special historical responsibility of Austria. The delegation will also hold high -ranking meetings, including with the Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid. This journey, which not only has symbolic but also political relevance, emphasizes Austria's commitment in the region and ITS endeavor to strengthen further bilateral relationships.