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'Face of Western hypocrisy': EU chief Ursula Von der Leyen slammed for 'double standards' on Ukraine and Gaza

While Von der Leyen has long been vocal about her support towards Ukrainians, she is yet to speak on the situation in Gaza

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: EU President Ursula von der Leyen was recently accused of having "double standards" due to her conflicting statements about Russian attacks in Ukraine and Israeli strikes in Gaza following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel. 

Amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis last year, Von der Leyen condemned the Russia's attacks on Ukraine on numerous occasions.

She said that Russia was committing "war crimes" by attacking "civilian infrastructure" and dubbed their actions on Ukrainians as "pure terror."

"Russia’s attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes," the EU Chief wrote on Twitter, now X, at the time. 

"Cutting off men, women, children of water, electricity and heating with winter coming - these are acts of pure terror. And we have to call it as such," she added. 

Nearly a year after her statements on Russia-Ukraine crisis, social media users called out Von der Leyen for her stance on the Israel-Hamas war. 

While the EU President slammed Hamas for its attack on Israel and reiterated EU's support for Tel Aviv, she has maintained complete silence about Israeli attacks on Gaza so far, The New Arab reported.

According to the Wall Street Journal, at least 1300 people killed and 3000 were left wounded after Hamas' attack on Israel. Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities said that Israel's retaliatory strikes in Gaza left 1500 dead and about 6600 injured.

What did Ursula von der Leyen say about Israel-Hamas war?

Following Hamas' attack on Israel, the European Union, led by Von der Leyen, held a minute of silence for the Israeli victims on Wednesday, October 11, but did not mention anything about Palestinians. 

"At the dawn of Shabbat, last Saturday, the whole world woke up in horror. The terrorist attack by Hamas is an act of war. And we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself. Europe stands with Israel in this tragedy," Von der Leyen tweeted on October 11. 

"We observe a minute of silence for the victims of the atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel. There can be no justification for Hamas' act of terror. This is a tragedy for Israel, for the Jewish people, and also for Europe. Europe stands with Israel," she added in a follow-up tweet. 

Similar to Russia, Israel reportedly targeted civilian institutions such as hospitals, mosques and residential buildings during it's retaliatory attack in Palestine. The attack left thousands displaced and homeless, the New Arab reported. 

Conditions in Palestinian hospitals are reportedly worsening amid a lack of power, following the shutdown of Gaza Strip's only power plant on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, nearly half of the victims in Gaza are women and children. While Von der Leyen has long been vocal about her support towards Ukrainians, she is yet to speak on the situation in Gaza. 

The EU has also imposed several sanctions on Russia with the aim of crippling the country's ability to finance its war in Kyiv. In a September interview with The Washington Post, the EU President said that the EU member states were "amazingly supportive" of Ukraine.

However, the EU found itself in the middle of a controversy after European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi said "all aid to Palestinians would be suspended" earlier this week before walking back on the decision. 

Internet calls out Ursula von der Leyen over response to Israel-Hamas war 

Several social media users called out Von der Leyen over her response to Israel-Hamas war. 

"Double standards: 'Russia’s attacks against civilian infrastructure, especially electricity, are war crimes. Cutting off men, women, children of water, electricity and heating with winter coming - these are acts of pure terror.' Ursula Von der Leyen, 22nd of October 2022," wrote another

"Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the face of Western hypocrisy and double standard, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission," one mocked.

"A tweet a year ago by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen .It says that Russia's targeting of Ukraine's electrical infrastructure constitutes a war crime. It now supports Israel's decision to completely deprive Gaza of food, fuel and electricity. Double standards!!" one said. 

"Miss Ursula Von Der Leyen, what do we call Israel doing that same thing. I know what. If Isreal does it, its okay right? The double standard hypocrisy," a fifth asked. 

One said, "The hypocrisy of the 'Garden and Jungle' narrative, on full display" while another said, "Well just let us know how you really feel, Ursula..."

One wrote, "This is a classic example of false equivalence. Nice self own."

While another remarked, "Not to mention the sheer hypocrisy."