One of the European Union’s top officials, labeled the ongoing war in Gaza as a “genocide” during a speech in Paris on Friday, intensifying her criticism of Israel and condemning the 27 nation bloc for its failure to intervene.

The European Commission’s vice president, Ribera stated “The genocide in Gaza exposes Europe’s failure to act and speak with one voice”.

Her remarks come as top EU officials have largely avoided using the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions in the region with one spokesperson emphasising that such a determination is a matter for the courts.

The EU has faced difficulties in addressing the conflict due to significant divisions among member states some advocating for action against Israel while others offer support to the country.

These divisions are also evident within the EU’s executive body, where Ribera has expressed frustration over the lack of progress on the issue.

Ribera’s characterisation of the situation may increase pressure on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to adopt a firmer stance against Israel.

In July, von der Leyen’s commission proposed cutting funding to Israeli start-ups in response to the war, but this initiative has yet to gain majority support from member states.

According to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, Israel’s offence has claimed the lives of at least 64,231 Palestinians, predominantly civilians figures the United Nations deems reliable.

According to AFP’s tally based on Israeli data, the conflict intensified following Hama’s attack on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 individuals mostly civilians.