World 'watching genocide' in Gaza, Slovenian president tells EU Parliament

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA)— Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar on Wednesday condemned what she called a "genocide" in Gaza during her address to the European Parliament, urging the EU to take stronger and more united action to stop the violence.

Addressing the European Parliament plenary during a session on the situation in Israel and Gaza, she said: "I believe that the events in the Middle East… often cause me sleepless nights."

"I will dare say this here and today in the European Parliament… we are witnessing the genocide" in Gaza, she said, adding: "We are witnessing it, watching it, and we remain silent."

Parliamentarians responded to her remarks with loud applause and a standing ovation.

The Slovenian leader criticized the EU’s lack of unity and effectiveness on the international stage, particularly in dealing with the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. "The European Union has unfortunately been too divided and ineffective," she said.

Reaffirming Slovenia’s commitment to international and humanitarian law, she emphasized that the EU's central objective must be the swift cessation of hostilities to end the bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of civilians living under unbearable humanitarian conditions.

She also underscored Slovenia’s support for a two-state solution, saying her country views the recognition of Palestine as a necessary step toward a lasting and just peace in the region.

Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing nearly 53,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children.