MTV cancelled on Thursday its Europe Music Awards ceremony, due to be held in Paris on November 5, citing the “devastating events” taking place in Gaza. “As we watch the devastating events in Gaza continue to unfold, this does not feel like a moment for a global celebration,” the organizers said in a statement. “With thousands of lives already lost, it is a moment of mourning.”

Stars including David Guetta, Jung Kook (of BTS) and Thirty Seconds to Mars had been due to perform at the annual event. Organizers Paramount Global said they were acting out of “an abundance of caution for the thousands of employees, crew members, artists, fans, and partners who travel from all corners of the world to bring the show to life.”—AFP