Katherine Clark retracts ‘genocide’ label: Not accusing Israel; calls for aid, hostages return

US House minority whip Katherine Clark clarified her recent remarks by stating she was not accusing Israel of genocide, despite using the term during an event last week. The clarification came in a statement to POLITICO on Tuesday.Clark had referred to “genocide and destruction” in Gaza while speaking at a Quaker-hosted event, provoking significant attention as she is the second-highest ranking Democrat in the House.In her statement, she said:“Last week, while attending an event in my district, I repeated the word ‘genocide’ in response to a question. I want to be clear that I am not accusing Israel of genocide. We all need to work with urgency to bring the remaining hostages home, surge aid to Palestinians and oppose their involuntary relocation, remove Hamas from power, and end the war.”Her office previously maintained that her stance remained unchanged, calling for humanitarian aid, a ceasefire, and long-term solutions for both Israelis and Palestinians.The episode underscores the delicate balance Democrats face within the party over how to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while reflecting broadening intra-party debate.