Pro-Palestinian activists have broken into a Royal Air Force (RAF) base in central England, damaging two military aircraft in protest against the UK government’s support for Israel’s war on Gaza. The group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident, stating that two members entered the RAF Brize Norton military base in Oxfordshire and sprayed paint into the engines of Voyager aircraft, symbolizing Palestinian bloodshed.
According to Palestine Action, “Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel U.S./Israeli fighter jets.” The group emphasized that Britain is not just complicit but an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.
A video released by the group showed two individuals on electric scooters moving through the base, with one using repurposed fire extinguishers to spray red paint into the turbine engines. The activists reportedly exited the facility undetected, leaving behind a Palestine flag.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the “vandalism” as “disgraceful,” stating that the UK’s armed forces represent the very best of Britain and deserve support. The Ministry of Defence and police are investigating the incident, with Defence Minister John Healey ordering a review of security at military bases.
This incident comes amid growing criticism of the UK government’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) found that the UK increased its licenses to Israel for military equipment after announcing a temporary arms suspension in September 2024. The UK government also refused to suspend the shipment of F-35 fighter components, citing potential impacts on international peace and security.
The breach of RAF Brize Norton, Britain’s largest airbase, has sparked a heated debate about security protocols and the delicate balance between protecting military assets and respecting the right to peaceful protest.
As authorities investigate the incident and reinforce security measures, the UK government faces growing pressure to address the underlying issues driving pro-Palestinian activism and prevent similar breaches in the future. The incident highlights the complexities of navigating international conflicts and the challenges of maintaining security while upholding democratic values.