Eurotopics.net

China celebrated the tenth anniversary of its Belt and Road Initiative trade project in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Among the guests from around 140 countries were Russian President Vladimir Putin and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Europe's press discusses the significance of the project - and the motives of those who attended the event.

After the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas, most press voices in Europe agree that as long as the radical Islamic group controls the Gaza Strip, peace between Israelis and Palestinians is impossible. However, it appears equally clear that the densely populated area cannot be liberated from Hamas without hitting many civilians in the process. Europe's press deliberates.

The world is in shock after a missile hit the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Hundreds of people were reportedly killed in the blast. Hamas has blamed Israel, but the Israeli military has denied the accusation saying that the destruction wreaked by the explosion does not match its weapons and that intercepted communications and radar images indicate that the damage was caused by the misfiring of a rocket launched by the Islamic Jihad group. The press examines the uproar in the media.

The conservative PiS has won the most votes in Poland's parliamentary elections but failed to secure the majority it needs to continue in government. Instead, three pro-European parties are set to form a ruling coalition: Donald Tusk's liberal Civic Coalition, the centrist Trzecia Droga and the leftist Lewica party. European media assess the ramifications for the EU and Europe.

After the ousting of Kevin McCarthy as House speaker, the US House of Representatives is in a deadlock. The government's budget cannot be passed until the post is filled. McCarthy has said he will not run again and there is speculation that former president Donald Trump could become his successor. Commentators voice concern.