Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia and former UK leader Boris Johnson have traveled to Israel on a solidarity trip. They visited Israeli towns that were attacked by Hamas, including Kibbutz Kfar Aza where Israeli residents were killed or taken hostage. During his visit, Morrison was asked about his support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance on the ceasefire. Morrison stated that a ceasefire would only benefit Hamas and prolong the war. Netanyahu has made it clear that there will be no ceasefire until Israeli hostages are released. U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have called for a temporary pause in the conflict to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson expressed concerns about pro-Palestine rallies happening worldwide. He stated that he was in Israel to show support and stand in solidarity with the country after the “worst atrocity” against the Jewish people since World War II. Johnson emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and criticized those supporting “Free Palestine” for condoning the actions of Hamas. Johnson believed that Israel should be given the time and space to apprehend the terrorists responsible and prevent future attacks.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to visit Israel and is currently in Beijing for a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. However, he did speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu last week. Albanese stated that Israel has the right to defend itself and called for the protection of all innocent lives. He emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and urged for the safety of all civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian.
In the meantime, Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to the West Bank, where he met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to providing essential services to Gaza and expressed support for a two-state solution. He also condemned extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Blinken also held meetings with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Crown Prince Al Hussein to discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict and the pursuit of a lasting peace in the region. During his visit to Israel, Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, Minister Benny Gantz, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid. He also had discussions with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani in Iraq, focusing on preventing further escalation of the conflict in Gaza.