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Boris Johnson on Gaza

Rejects ceasefire calls (strong) Position evolved

Boris Johnson has voiced strong support for Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, maintaining a firm stance against calls for a ceasefire in the subsequent conflict in Gaza. In his post-premiership role as a commentator, Johnson condemned Hamas's actions while simultaneously rejecting efforts to halt Israeli military operations.

His position has been characterised by a clear differentiation between the actions of Hamas and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), asserting there is no moral equivalence between the two. This clear alignment with Israel has been a consistent feature of his commentary on the conflict since late 2023.

Furthermore, Boris Johnson has publicly criticized diplomatic actions by other leaders concerning the conflict, such as the move by Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state, which Johnson dismissed as politically motivated and flawed due to Hamas's governance and border control issues.

Timeline

  1. Boris Johnson condemned the Hamas attack on Israel and expressed solidarity by visiting the country.
  2. Visited Israel to express solidarity following the initial attack and ongoing conflict.
  3. Criticized Keir Starmer's intention to recognise a Palestinian state, arguing it was politically motivated and that the governing entity, Hamas, is "fascist".

Actions Taken

  1. Diplomatic visit
    Visited Israel to express solidarity with the country following the Hamas attack.

Key Quotes

there can be no moral equivalence between the terrorism of Hamas and the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces

Daily Mail column October 1, 2023 — Stating his view on the conflict following the October 7 attacks.

Rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war

Daily Mail column October 1, 2023 — Stating his position on halting military action by Israel.

criticised pro-Palestinian protests in the UK

Daily Mail column October 1, 2023 — Expressing disapproval of demonstrations in the UK.

ridiculous

Commentary January 1, 2025 — Describing Keir Starmer's decision to recognise a Palestinian state.

a Palestinian state should not be recognised because it has no clearly defined borders and its government is unable to control its borders as well as being ruled by Hamas, which Johnson described as "fascist"

Commentary January 1, 2025 — Providing justification for opposing Palestinian state recognition.

Related Positions

  • Hamas Governance Johnson's opposition to a Palestinian state recognition is explicitly linked to his view of Hamas as a 'fascist' ruling power in Gaza.
  • UK-Israel Relations His strong statements are consistent with his established policy emphasis on the 'Special Relationship' with the US, which often translates to robust support for Israel.

Criticism

Pro-Palestinian groups/Protesters

Criticised for rejecting calls for a ceasefire and for criticising pro-Palestinian protests in the UK.

Sources3

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.