EU Vice President labels Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide," condemns the bloc for inaction
In a stark address at Sciences Po University in Paris, European Commission Executive Vice President Teresa Ribera criticised Europe's failure to act with unity on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Ribera described the war as "genocide," a label that could potentially pressure European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take a tougher stance on the crisis.
The recent Israeli attacks on Thursday have resulted in the deaths of at least 44 people in Gaza, according to the enclave's civil defence agency. Among the casualties were 25 individuals in Gaza City, with one airstrike tragically hitting a tent sheltering a displaced family, claiming the lives of five, including three children.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have taken the lives of at least 64,231 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians, as reported by the Gaza health ministry. These figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
Ribera expressed her disappointment at the bloc's inability to agree on a common stance on the conflict in Gaza, stating that it is not only a test for Europeans but for the world as a whole. She called for a focus on pushing for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, the protection of civilians and journalists, and the recovery of daily life in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice is currently considering a genocide case against Israel's Gaza offensive, while the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The European Commission has proposed cutting funding to Israeli start-ups over the war in Gaza, but the plan has yet to gain the support of a majority of EU member states. This proposal could add pressure on EU leadership over the Gaza crisis, as pressure continues to build.
The Israeli blockade is also contributing to the escalation of hunger in Gaza, with the UN declaring the first-ever famine in the Middle East in August. More than half a million people in Gaza are now facing catastrophic hunger due to the blockade.
US sanctions were imposed on 4 International Criminal Court judges over a Netanyahu arrest warrant, further complicating the international response to the conflict.
Ribera's statement could potentially push von der Leyen to adopt a tougher stance on the Gaza crisis, adding her voice to those calling for urgent action to bring an end to the violence and suffering in the region.
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