Israeli – Palestinian Violent Clash Resounds in Entire Europe

The EU has so far been hesitant to show support for either side in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict for fear of jeopardising the peace process. EU foreign ministers will hold an extraordinary videoconference on Tuesday (18 May) in search of a common position.

Germany, Austria and Slovenia have so far openly backed Israel's right to defend itself. In Czechia, upon President Milos Zeman's orders, the Israeli flag is flying over the seat of the Czech presidency.

In Vienna, Austrian Foreign Minister Schallenberg stated that "Austria stands behind Israel" and that there should "never be neutrality in the face of terror."

Some of Austria's leading political observers believe the move could damage Austria's reputation as a neutral country and conflict mediator.

After the Austrian chancellery and foreign ministry raised the Israeli flag on Friday to show support in the recent escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif cancelled his planned visit to Vienna, where he was supposed to attend negotiations on the Iran Nuclear Deal on Saturday.

Iran's chief negotiator for the deal, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, said on Twitter that Austria has so far been "a great host for the negotiations," but described the raising of the Israeli flag over government buildings as "shocking and painful."

Several pro-Palestinian demonstrations were disbanded in France and Germany over the weekend. In Paris, Reuters reported that the gathering was banned by police and at the request of Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, with authorities citing fears the protest could turn violent.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called for a three...