The European Commission distanced itself on Friday from the accusation by senior Commissioner Teresa Ribera that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza.

Ribera, a Spanish socialist, talked about “the genocide” in Gaza in a speech at a French university on Thursday. Her remarks drew the ire of the Israeli government, which accused her of being a mouthpiece for Hamas.

"It's not up to the Commission to judge on this question and definition but really for the courts, and there has been no College [of Commissioners] decision on this particular subject, that's what I can say," Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

"There is no Commission position on this," Pinho added.

"Establishing whether international crimes, including genocide, have

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