Clare Daly, an Irish MEP in the European Parliament (EP), reacted to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's statement that "the European Union is on Israel's side" and said, "Who do you think you are? You were not elected to this office and you have no authority to determine the European Union's foreign policy, which is determined by the European Council."
Europe is not 'on the side of Israel'. We are for peace. You are not speaking for us. If you have nothing constructive to say and you don't say it openly, shut up," she said.
Von der Leyen said yesterday on her social media account, "Today Hamas terrorists attacked the heart of Israel, capturing and killing innocent women and children. Israel has the right to defend itself today and in the days to come. The European Union stands with Israel."
In addition to von der Leyen, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said: "This violence must stop now. Terror and violence cannot solve anything. The EU stands in solidarity with Israel in these troubled times." European Council President Charles Michel condemned the attack and said, "My thoughts are with innocent people. The EU stands with the people of Israel in these terrible times."