Austrian chancellor to visit Israel

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehamme will visit Israel along with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on Wednesday, his office said.

The visit is a "sign of solidarity with the Israeli people," a statement said on Tuesday, adding that Nehammer will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the family of an Austrian-Israeli hostage kidnapped by Hamas.

The visit comes against the backdrop of continued Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which started after a surprise Hamas offensive on Oct. 7.

Earlier in the day, Nehammer met Israeli ambassador-designate David Roet at the Federal Chancellery, and spoke about the current situation.

"We stand firmly by Israel's side, and the Israeli people can rely on Austria," the chancellor told media representatives after the meeting.

"Hamas' brutal and barbaric terrorist attack on Israel cannot be justified by anything, and we express this clear condemnation also through our visit tomorrow," he added.

He said all forces need to join forces to prevent a possible conflagration of the conflict, and Austria will do its part.

At least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel.

Gaza's 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water, medicines and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what's needed.