Solidarity with Gaza

Israel's ground offensive on Gaza City, which began a few days ago, is the latest escalation of Israel's war crimes against the Palestinian people. The expulsion and murder of the population of Gaza is causing a humanitarian catastrophe on all levels.

All aspects of life, culture, and infrastructure are being destroyed. The ÖH Uni Wien recognizes the scientific consensus of genocide researchers that this constitutes genocide against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. We condemn the actions of the right-wing extremist Israeli government in the strongest possible terms.

The Israeli army is destroying important civilian infrastructure such as educational institutions and hospitals. Aid supplies and food cannot be brought into Gaza because deliveries are being blockaded at the border by Israel. The resulting devastating humanitarian situation is characterized by starvation and inadequate medical care. These actions by Israel clearly constitute war crimes.

We criticize the fact that the Austrian media has often failed to recognize and condemn Israel's actions as violations of international law and human rights.

Reporting on the situation in Gaza is also being systematically hampered. Since the beginning of the war, the Israeli army has killed over 200 journalists, more than in any other war before.

The main victims of the current Israeli offensive in Gaza are civilians. Of the tens of thousands of deaths, 83% were civilians. Netanyahu's planned de facto conquest of Gaza will further exacerbate the situation. Israel's actions show that Netanyahu's government is not seriously interested in ending the war.

We, as the ÖH Uni Wien, therefore demand that the Austrian federal government work towards ending the war and ensuring the sovereignty of the Palestinian people. This includes calling for an immediate halt to arms deliveries to Israel and the release of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel and hostages captured by Hamas.

Furthermore, we demand the recognition of a democratic Palestinian state and a clear commitment to international law. This means the implementation of ICC rulings, including the arrest of Netanyahu should he enter Austrian territory.

As the new executive of the ÖH Uni Wien, we express our solidarity with the Palestinian civilian population. We express our full support to affected students.