Boris Johnson has taken a swipe at the BBC and other organisations who refuse to call Hamas’ atrocities a “terrorist act” during a visit to Israel.
The former Conservative PM also spoke of his horror at the “evil” of Hamas’ terrorist attacks on the Jewish state last month.
Johnson visited Kfar Aza kibbutz close to the Gaza border with ex-premier of Australia Scott Morrison to "express solidarity and support” on Sunday. The visit was conducted under tight secrecy.
The former PM described the atrocities as "the worst massacre of Jewish people that we've seen since the Second World War", adding: “It is absolutely vital that we who believe in Israel should do everything we can to show our support in the face of cruel, inhumane attacks on innocent people. Israel has the right to defend itself.
“No one looking at the charnel house of that kibbutz could be in any doubt that this was terror.
“This was witting evil – a systematic programme of torture and sadism that is in a different moral category from the actions of Israel’s troops."
Johnson also urged people to remember the fate of Hamas’ victims as they debate Israel’s response in Gaza.
He added: “The Israelis are trying their best – even if they are not always succeeding – to keep civilians out of harm’s way.
“Hamas was and is trying to cause maximum harm to the innocent. I wish all those who are demonstrating against Israel could see what I have seen today.
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Boris Johnson visited Israel with former PM of Australia Scott Morrison (Photo: Getty)
“Intentionally or otherwise those demonstrators are giving hope and comfort and support to the terrorists of Hamas.
“What I saw today showed above all why we need and will always need the state of Israel – a place where Jews can be safe.”
The BBC have so far refused to brand Hamas as terrorists, but the corporation said it would no longer use the term "militants" to describe the terrorist group.
Instead, the BBC said it would characterise the group as "a proscribed terrorist organisation by the UK government and others", or simply as "Hamas".
Johnson’s visit follows a visit by Rishi Sunak last month where he promised Benjamin Netanyahu that Britain would stand by Israel in "its darkest hour" after Hamas’ terror attack.
Speaking alongside the Israeli PM in Jerusalem, he said: "I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians in direct contrast to the terrorists of Hamas which seeks to put civilians in harm's way.
"I welcome your decision yesterday that you took to ensure that routes into Gaza will be opened for humanitarian aid to enter ... I'm proud to stand here with you.
“In Israel's darkest hour as your friend. We will stand with you in solidarity. We will stand with your people and we also want you to win."
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