The Emergence of the Gaza List Party in Austria
In a significant political development, the Gaza List Party has been established in Austria, aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Founded by a coalition of pro-Palestinian supporters, the party emerged in response to the escalating violence following the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023. With its slogan, 'Raise your voice against genocide,' the party seeks to pressure the Austrian government and the European Union to terminate their military, economic, and political support for Israel.
The party's formation coincided with the upcoming Austrian elections, scheduled for September 29, 2024, as a strategic move to spotlight the Palestinian cause. Sociologist Irina Vanna emphasized the party's goal of using electoral politics to draw attention to the complicity of other political entities in the violence against Palestinians. The founders have successfully gathered enough support to qualify for the elections, collecting signatures in Vienna and other regions.
Diverse Representation and Goals
The Gaza List Party has officially registered to participate in the elections, presenting a list of 24 candidates representing a diverse array of backgrounds, including Austrians, Turks, Bosnians, Arabs, and Africans, spanning various religions and beliefs. This inclusivity underscores the party's commitment to human rights and justice, aiming to unify different communities under a common cause.
Key figures in the party include Willi Langthaler, the founder, and historian Franz Sölkler, who previously belonged to the Austrian Green Party but shifted allegiance due to disagreements on the Palestinian issue. Other notable candidates include Astrid Wagner, a lawyer known for her advocacy in complex legal cases, Dalia Sarig-Fellner, a Jewish activist with a strong anti-Zionist stance, and Sally Attia, an activist of Egyptian descent. Their collective efforts aim to challenge the status quo and advocate for the rights of Palestinians.
A Call for Action
The Gaza List Party's agenda is clear: to confront parties that have remained silent about the Israeli military actions in Gaza and to promote a message of justice and human rights. Their campaign slogan, 'Vote against genocide,' encapsulates their mission to mobilize voters and raise awareness about the urgent situation in Gaza. As the elections approach, the party's impact on Austrian politics and its potential to shift public discourse on the Palestinian issue remains to be seen.
