Anti-Israel demonstration in Vienna: Thousands demand immediate sanctions!

Anti-Israel demonstration in Vienna: Thousands demand immediate sanctions!

A large anti-Israel demonstration organized by the Palestinian community in Austria took place in Vienna last weekend. Under the motto: “Sanctions against Israel – stop the genocide and starvation now!” Thousands of people gathered to protest against the situation in Gaza and Austrian complicity. This campaign, supported by Amnesty Austria, not only attracted attention but also controversial reactions.

Palestinian Authority envoy Salah Abdel Shafi spoke at the demonstration and called for an immediate end to the Jewish state. He called Israel a “rogue state” and called on the international community to take action against its actions. It is interesting that in the past Abdel Shafi did not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization and denied Israel self-defense.

The participants and their messages

The demonstration attracted widespread support from various left-wing groups, including the Communist Party as well as the Israel boycott campaign BDS. The Anti-Imperialist Coordination (AIK), which is characterized by the documentation archive of the Austrian resistance as a representative of “anti-Semitism in a left-wing guise”, was also present. Shoura Hashemi, the executive director of Amnesty International Austria, praised the event and emphasized the importance of the protest. Activist Marlene Engelhorn also took the microphone and criticized the media coverage and political failure surrounding the crisis in Gaza.

But what about the Palestinian Authority itself? A recent report from the Qohelet Policy Forum described it as incapable of taking control of the Gaza Strip. The PA has been criticized for its corruption, lack of democratic structures and refusal to recognize Israel as a state. The report warns that a PA government in the Gaza Strip would not improve conditions, legitimacy among Palestinians would decline, and parts of the territory would remain under Hamas influence.

Context and international reactions

There are further developments in the international context. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his intention to recognize Palestine as a state, and countries such as Britain and Canada are also considering recognition. Meanwhile, the PA is repeatedly criticized for its autocratic governance and widespread corruption. This situation has become more tense, especially since the armed conflict between Hamas and Fatah and Hamas's associated seizure of power in 2007.

The current political situation has raised questions about the authenticity of the PA's peace commitments. The repeated terrorist attacks by Fatah militias raise serious doubts and increase concerns about a unity government between the PA and Hamas. The desire for a solution that enables peaceful coexistence is becoming increasingly urgent.

Against the background of this complex situation, the discussion about a two-state solution and the associated challenges continues to be intensive. The questions about how peace can continue in the region are more relevant than ever.

Amnesty Austria and other organizations have sent an important signal with their involvement in the demonstration, even if opinions on the demands and methodology differ. The discourse about the situation in Israel and Palestine remains a hot topic that will not disappear from public debate for a long time.

The following reports can be used for further information and background information: Mena Watch, Jewish Review, ZDF today.