Gaza War: Austria Sends Experts to the Middle East

Austria is participating in efforts to achieve a permanent end to the Gaza war by sending experts. Experts from the police, armed forces, as well as civilian experts, are to be sent to the Middle East, as decided by the Council of Ministers today, Wednesday, at the request of Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS).

Two experts from Austria have already been sent

"A strong and early presence of European states in the initial phase of implementing the comprehensive plan for ending the Gaza conflict is crucial to play an active role in shaping the post-war order and rebuilding the Gaza Strip," stated the Council of Ministers' presentation available to the APA. The participants of the mission will be provided by the Ministries of the Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Defense.

To support the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, a maximum of five people are to be sent to the Middle East by December 31, 2026. According to Meinl-Reisinger, the Foreign Ministry has already sent two experts to the US-led coordination center "Civil-Military Coordination Center" (CMCC) in Kiryat Gat, Israel. The CMCC coordinates the international community's support services for Gaza.

Risks are carefully assessed

In addition, further members of the Ministries of the Interior and Defense can be deployed for preparatory and supportive activities, as well as up to 20 members of the armed forces for possible air transport of the Austrian contingent. The deployment of Austrian personnel depends on the security situation and after careful assessment of the risks for the personnel to be deployed, noted the Council of Ministers' presentation.

Meinl-Reisinger: "Austria takes responsibility"

"Austria takes responsibility for peace and stability in the Middle East," said Meinl-Reisinger. From an Austrian perspective, it is about "making our contribution to stabilizing the Middle East and at the same time supporting the reconstruction," she explained to journalists in Vienna after the Council of Ministers.

UN Security Council Resolution Number 2803 from November had decided on the establishment of an internationally staffed Board of Peace as a transitional administration. US President Donald Trump, on whose peace plan the current ceasefire between Israel and the radical Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip is based, intends to announce the composition of the Board of Peace at the beginning of the coming year.

(APA/Red)

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