ISTANBUL

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as he met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Vienna.

Van der Bellen said on X that the exchange took place "among friends" and included discussions on several pressing regional and international issues.

"We discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and I emphasized the urgency to respond to the humanitarian needs of the population in line with international law," he said.

"We also spoke about the ongoing efforts towards a ceasefire, the release of all hostages as well as the need for a viable long-term solution for a dignified future for Gaza."

Touching on broader geopolitical concerns, Van der Bellen said both sides agreed on preventing nuclear proliferation in the region.

“We exchanged views on geopolitical developments and agreed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, while also avoiding a regional escalation,” he said.

Saar also met Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger.

Meinl-Reisinger said on X that they share a common goal of seizing a “historic opportunity” for peace in the Middle East. “I am cautiously optimistic that the intensive diplomatic efforts are having an effect: There is movement in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages.”