By Askin Kiyagan
VIENNA (AA) - Austrian writer and activist Wilhelm Langthaler has sharply criticized the government for its unconditional support for Israel, and turning a blind eye to civilian deaths caused by its military strikes in Gaza.
Langthaler told Anadolu that the Austrian government abandoned the long-held policy of neutrality despite public concerns, and recently increased its pressure on rights groups who are supporting Palestinians.
"The government first displayed Israeli flag on public buildings. It was as an indication that it would be supporting everything Israel does, its war crimes. It gave a blank check to Israel,” he said.
Langthaler said the Austrian government’s vote against a UN General Assembly resolution last month, which called for an immediate humanitarian truce, was also unacceptable.
"Such a thing has never happened in the history of Austria. Because the principle of neutrality requires remaining neutral. But here in this conflict, it’s displaying a one-sided and an unprecedentedly aggressive attitude,” he said.
Langthaler also criticized the government for banning planned protests in Austria in support of the Palestinian people.
He said the Austrian government was falsely arguing that the Palestinian slogan, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which was widely used in the protests, was antisemitic and advocating violence.
“Israel has built an apartheid state from river to the sea, where only Jews live with full rights, while Palestinians are treated as Indians [native Americans],” he said. “The indigenous population is under oppression. Israel is a real Apartheid state, from the river to the sea. We want to create a democratic state for everyone, from river to the sea."
Langthaler said Austrian authorities imposed restrictions and banned several pro-Palestinian protests without any legal grounds.
"They want to silence Palestinians, that's what this is all about. Because Palestinians are standing up against a genocide, but authorities don’t want them to make their voice head,” he stressed.
At least 9,770 Palestinians, including 4,800 children and 2,550 women, have been killed in the Israeli bombardments in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.
According to Israeli authorities, more than 1,500 Israelis have been killed and over 5,400 others injured in Hamas attacks, while over 200 people were taken as hostages to Gaza.
Eighteen UN agencies in a joint statement have called for "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," saying: "It’s been 30 days. Enough is enough. This must stop now."