Boris Johnson jets to Israel to ‘express solidarity’ after Hamas attacks

Boris Johnson will meet relatives of hostages being held by Hamas during the unannounced visit

Boris Johnson has made a surprise trip to Israel to “express solidarity and support” as the conflict in Gaza rages on.

The former prime minister is visiting alongside Australia’s former prime minister Scott Morrison, his spokesperson confirmed.

He is expected to meet relatives of Israelis still being held by Hamas fighters in tunnels since the group’s deadly attack almost one month ago. Mr Johnson will also meet with Israeli president Isaac Herzog, and with British-Israeli reservists called up to fight.

A spokesperson for Mr Johnson said: “Former UK prime minister Boris Johnson and former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison are in Israel making a joint visit to express solidarity and support for Israel after the terrible terrorist attacks on 7 October.”

Mr Johnson and Mr Morrison arrived in Israel on Sunday. The former leaders, both supportive of Israel during their tenure, were also set to tour border towns in southern Israel that were devastated in last month’s onslaught by Hamas.

The visit is being hosted by Likud MK Danny Danon, a former Israeli ambassador to the UN.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mr Morrison had said he was “thankful for the opportunity to join former prime minister Johnson to come to Israel as a demonstration of solidarity with the people and state of Israel and the Jewish community throughout the world.

“It is an opportunity to understand first-hand what is occurring on the ground, honour those who have been lost, show support to those who have suffered and are now engaged in this terrible conflict, and discuss how to move forward,” he said.