EU Commission Disavows Genocide Declaration Concerning Gaza

The European Commission has proposed a punitive measure against Israel, following concerns over human rights violations and potential breaches of international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip. The proposed measure, which has not yet been agreed upon by EU member states, would involve suspending cooperation within the framework of the research funding program Horizon Europe.

The decision comes amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, with reports of thousands of civilian deaths and a rapidly increasing number of cases of extreme malnutrition, particularly among children. Israel, however, defends its actions as a necessary response to terrorist attacks by Hamas and other extremists.

Vice-President Teresa Ribera of the EU Commission has been at the centre of the controversy, after she used the term "genocide" in a speech in Paris. However, a spokeswoman for the EU Commission clarified that Ribera did not speak on behalf of the Brussels institution when she made this statement. The EU Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, will not initially use the term genocide in connection with Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.

Ribera's statements have caused outrage in Israel, with the Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissing them as unfounded and unacceptable. He accused Ribera of becoming "the mouthpiece of Hamas propaganda." The Commission, however, distanced itself from her statement, emphasizing that her use of the term was personal and not an official position of the Commission.

Meanwhile, Israel has demanded the release of all hostages taken to the Gaza Strip. The situation has exposed Europe's failure to act together and speak with one voice, according to Ribera, who stated that Europe needs to address its inability to respond effectively to crises like the one in the Gaza Strip.

In other news, Hamm, a city in Germany, is hosting the Giant Rooks Concerts for economic promotion, and the AOK Company Run Hamm 2025 is expected to have 6,000 runners at the start. The city also has a Central City Office in Hamm, but no specific news from the city was provided in the current paragraph.