VIENNA, April 9 (Reuters) - Austria's foreign ministry on Thursday called on Israel to stop attacking civilian targets in Lebanon, and said the Austrian members of a U.N. peacekeeping force there must
Austria Demands Israel Cease Strikes on Civilian Targets in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict
Austria's Stance and Concerns Over Escalating Lebanon Conflict
Austria's Official Statement
VIENNA, April 9 (Reuters) - Austria's foreign ministry on Thursday called on Israel to stop attacking civilian targets in Lebanon, and said the Austrian members of a U.N. peacekeeping force there must be protected.
Austria has in recent years been one of Israel's staunchest political supporters in the European Union.
"Israel must immediately stop its military operations against civilian targets and infrastructure in Lebanon," the ministry said in response to a question from Reuters.
Recent Developments in the Conflict
Intensification of Strikes
Israel on Wednesday conducted its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since the conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah flared up again last month even as France, Britain and the EU said a two-week truce between Iran and the U.S. should also cover Lebanon.
Role of Austrian UN Peacekeepers
Neutral Austria contributes about 160 soldiers to a 7,500-strong U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). They belong to a unit performing tasks like transporting goods and personnel, repairing vehicles, supplying fuel and firefighting.
Humanitarian and Security Concerns
Humanitarian Catastrophe
The ministry said it was extremely concerned about the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and "the humanitarian catastrophe, with more than one million displaced people."
Protection of Civilians and Peacekeepers
Priority on Safety
"The protection of the civilian population and of the Austrian UNIFIL contingent is our top priority," it added.
Calls for Ceasefire and Diplomatic Solutions
Instead of calling for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire to be extended to Lebanon, it said a way back must be found to a November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
(Reporting by Francois MurphyEditing by Dave Graham)
