Use for hostages: Austria demands the return of family members!

Use for hostages: Austria demands the return of family members!

Austria has increasingly campaigned for the release of hostages that are captured by Hamas in recent months. State Secretary Schellhorn emphasized at an event in which the hostages of the hostages took part, that permanent peace is only possible if the hostage returns unscathed. While the siblings showed the pictures of Evyatar David and Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Schellhorn appealed to everyone involved to resolve the talks and to support the efforts to release the hostages. Austria has been working intensively for this goal since October 7, 2023, which proves a strong political will in this humanitarian crisis.

Among the hostages are not only Israelis, but also many other people from different countries, including men, women, children and people with disabilities. According to the Hamas, at least 203 hostages were recorded in Gaza solely in Gaza alone, according to the Hamas. In addition, there is unconfirmed information about hostages that were killed by Israeli air strikes, which also complicates the situation.

abuse and fear under hostage

The conditions under which the hostages are held are alarming. Amnesty International has documented that many hostages suffer from catastrophic conditions, with reports on torture and ill -treatment, including physical retaliation and psychological stress. Tami, which was released in November 2023, continues to suffer from sleep problems and is worried about the remaining hostages. These reports illuminate the cruel reality with which the hostages are faced.

A shattering example is Hersh Goldberg-Polish, who was wounded at the hostage-taking on the Nova party site, whereby his left arm had to be amputated. A video published by the Hamas shows him after the procedure in a worrying state. Returning hostages also report on physical and psychological abuse and the deliberate separation of family members during their captivity.

international reactions and demands

Human Rights Watch has classified the hostage frames as a war crime and demands the immediate and unconditional release of everyone kept. The organization indicates that the hostage frames violate the Geneva conventions and the Roman statute of the International Criminal Court. The international community, especially countries with influence on Hamas such as Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, is asked to work for the release of the hostages.

After all, the situation in the Gaza Strip itself is extremely tense. Since October 7, Israeli air strikes have led to considerable civilian victims, while Israel has drastically restricted Humanitarian Aid for the region, which violates humanitarian international law. These developments make the situation even more precarious for the hostages, but also for the civilian population in Gaza and Israel.

The appeal for peace and the return of the hostages are becoming more and more urgent because the time is crucial for the families concerned. Austria is actively involved in finding a solution to this tragic situation.

For more information about the current situation of the hostages and the internationally required security standards, readers can read the articles from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch Read.