Domestic Politics with Joy Over the Release of Israeli Hostages
"I share the immense joy of their families and friends in this historic moment," said Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen on online platforms. "Now the time for healing must begin. For the hostages, their relatives, and the entire region," said State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) in a statement.
Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen shares "immense joy" over the release of Israeli hostages
"I share the immense joy of their families and friends in this historic moment. But many did not return alive. My sympathy goes to their families, who hopefully can find peace. The weapons must continue to remain silent, and vital aid must reach all those in Gaza who have had to live under extremely precarious conditions for over two years. I repeat my appeal to all parties to work towards a lasting peace in the interest of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the entire region."
Domestic politics hopes for peace in the region after the release of Israeli hostages
Meinl-Reisinger referred in her post on X specifically to the release of hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, whose parents had recently visited Austria. The two friends were kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023. "Guy and Evyatar are free! Over two years of martyrdom are finally over! This morning, Hamas finally released all the remaining living hostages. I have met Guy's and Evyatar's parents several times and am just particularly happy for them today! It will take time, the wounds will heal slowly, all of Israel has been traumatized. But finally, the people in the region are getting a perspective if we continue the path of dialogue now! Peace and security for all people in Israel and Palestine!"
"After 738 days of fear and uncertainty, the return of the hostages signifies a moment of hope - hope for peace. Now the time for healing must begin. For the hostages, their relatives, and the entire region," said State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP), responsible for combating anti-Semitism. Green Party leader Leonore Gewessler writes: "Freedom for the living Israeli hostages. Finally. My thoughts are with them and all their relatives today. They had to endure the unimaginable during this time. I wish them nothing more than safety and recovery. This is a first - and incredibly important - step. Now we hope for the next: the handover of the bodies of the murdered hostages, aid for the people in Gaza. And yes, we can and want to hope for long-term peace in the region today."
SPÖ foreign policy spokesperson Petra Bayr: "After so much pain, grief, and destruction, there is finally a light of hope for the people in Israel and Palestine. Today's release of the remaining Israeli hostages is a day of joy. This day should mark the beginning of a process leading to sustainable peace."
Israel's Ambassador to Austria David Roet: Release of Israeli hostages "Day of hope and happiness"
"This is a day of hope and happiness for all of Israel! After long days, the last living hostages are returning from Gaza to Israel. (...) Israel is grateful that Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP, note), Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and Special Envoy Peter Launsky-Tieffenthal have advocated so much for the hostages and have repeatedly met with the (hostage) families. Our thanks also go to former Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP, note)."
(APA/Red)
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