Boris Johnson on Palestine
Boris Johnson has expressed a clear, negative position regarding the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state, particularly after the UK government under Keir Starmer took steps in that direction.
Johnson asserted that any such recognition is politically motivated, aimed at securing votes, and subject to internal party politics within the Labour party.
His central objections relate to the practical viability of a state, citing the lack of clearly defined borders and the current governance situation in the Palestinian territories by Hamas, which he has labelled as "fascist."
Context
Boris Johnson's views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are relevant due to his roles as Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister, periods during which UK foreign policy towards the region was active.
His statements as Foreign Secretary indicated criticism of international bodies for disproportionate focus on the conflict. His more recent, post-premiership comments show a hardening of stance, particularly regarding statehood and solidarity with Israel following major escalations.
Timeline
- Johnson, as Foreign Secretary, accused the UNHRC of focusing disproportionately on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.
- Johnson condemned Hamas' attack on Israel, stating there could be no moral equivalence between Hamas' terrorism and the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces.
- Following the Hamas attack, Boris Johnson rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and criticized pro-Palestinian protests in the UK.
- Johnson visited Israel to express solidarity with the country following the Hamas attack.
- He reiterated his opposition to recognizing a Palestinian state, citing concerns over borders and Hamas rule.
Actions Taken
- Foreign policy statementExpressed condemnation of the Hamas attack on Israel and rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
- Diplomatic actionVisited Israel to express solidarity with the country.
Key Quotes
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".
ridiculous and aimed for political benefit among voters as well as motivated by inner party politics.
Sources3
- In 2025, following Keir Starmer's decision to recognise a Palestinian state, Johnson said the move was "ridiculous" and aimed for political benefit among voters as well as motivated by inner party politics. Johnson also said that 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".
- Johnson condemned Hamas' attack on Israel, saying "there can be no moral equivalence between the terrorism of Hamas and the actions of the Israeli Defense Forces". He rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war, and criticised pro-Palestinian protests in the UK. On 5 November 2023, Johnson visited Israel to express solidarity.
- He accused the UNHRC of focusing disproportionately on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.