Boris Johnson Affirms Palestinians Deserve Their Long-Promised State Amid Gaza Crisis

Boris Johnson, the former UK prime minister, expressed that Palestinians in Gaza deserve the state promised to them for decades. He described the crisis in Gaza as a governance failure. His remarks were made during a keynote session at the World Governments Summit (WGS), where he discussed key geopolitical issues affecting the Middle East and beyond.

Johnson addressed US President Donald Trump's suggestion of resettling Palestinians in Jordan and Egypt, stating that Gaza's crisis lacks an easy solution. He called it "an absolute tragedy." Johnson refrained from analysing Trump's comments but noted, "It is a failure of governance." He stressed that Gaza's government aims to eliminate Israel, yet Palestinians deserve their promised state.

Johnson highlighted the need to end Gaza's suffering and return hostages. He also commented on the new US administration's encouraging stance on Ukraine, which could advance peace efforts. "There hasn't been an instant capitulation to Putin," he said, expressing confidence in Trump's ability to resolve the conflict.

Discussing Ukraine, Johnson stated that the solution lies in identity and destiny rather than geography or territory. He supported Trump's leadership, emphasising swift action during his presidency. "The world is better when America is strong," he remarked, urging quick progress within the four-year term.

Johnson advised governments to learn from past mistakes and avoid overspending. He stressed the importance of scrutinising budgets to eliminate wasteful spending. Reflecting on his tenure, Johnson mentioned significant changes during his term, particularly concerning Brexit's implications.

"We took back control of our national independence," he said, highlighting achievements like faster COVID-19 vaccinations. Johnson acknowledged that COVID-19 led to increased state power and spending but advocated moving away from such measures now.

Current UK Government and Future Aspirations

Regarding the UK's current government, Johnson criticised its practices of overtaxing, overspending, and over-regulating. He noted excessive bureaucracy but remained optimistic about Tory recovery before upcoming elections. When asked about future political aspirations, Johnson stated he would only pursue office if he could be useful.

The WGS event convenes over 30 heads of state and government alongside more than 80 international organisations. It features 21 global forums exploring future trends with over 200 interactive sessions led by prominent speakers including presidents and ministers.

The summit will publish 30 strategic reports with international knowledge partners by its conclusion on 13th February. This year's theme is 'Shaping Future Governments,' focusing on major transformations worldwide.

With inputs from WAM