'Shut up': EU leader criticised by Irish MEP over 'stand with Israel' remarks

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been criticised by a member of the European parliament (MEP) after she said the body "stands with Israel."

Clare Daly, an independent Irish MEP, told von der Leyen to "shut up" after the EU chief said "Israel has the right to defend itself - today and in the days to come."

"Who do you think you are? You're unelected, and have no authority to determine EU foreign policy, which is set by the European Council," Daly wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Europe does NOT 'stand with Israel.' We stand for peace. You do not speak for us. If you've nothing constructive to say, and you clearly don't, shut up."

Who do you think you are? You're unelected, and have no authority to determine EU foreign policy, which is set by @EUCouncil. Europe does NOT "stand with Israel." We stand for peace. You do not speak for us. If you've nothing constructive to say, and you clearly don't, shut up. https://t.co/9uEklDIIiE
— Clare Daly (@ClareDalyIRL) October 8, 2023

Palestinian fighters caught Israel off-guard early on Saturday, firing thousands of rockets in southern and central Israel, while dozens of heavily armed gunmen stormed Israel's south.

Israel responded by launching devastating air strikes on the besieged Gaza Strip that have killed hundreds of people.