() Boris Johnson is blasting his successor, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, for saying the U.K. will recognize Palestinian statehood if Israel does not agree to a ceasefire in Gaza and take steps to end suffering there.
Johnson, a former Conservative Party leader, says Starmer is bowing to pressure within his Labour Party in an effort to retain support of Muslim voters, and the result is a boon to Hamas.
“We seem to be giving a big path, a big reward to Hamas, and it’s absurd,” Johnson told “On Balance” on Friday.
Starmer has said the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state in September if Israel does not back a ceasefire but repeated demands that Hamas return all remaining hostages that were taken during the deadly incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Starmer also said Hamas must disarm and “accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza.”
Johnson has supported a so-called two-state solution giving Palestinians limited governing power but not control of an army. He said Gaza could thrive in the future but not with Hamas at the helm.
The erosion of support for Israel in the U.K.’s government seems to be materializing in the United States, as well, Johnson said.
“I just notice that things are changing a bit, particularly in the Democratic Party,” he said. “I notice a change in the conversation about this issue. There’s now a constituency that has a particular view, and I think it’s very, very regrettable.”
