Palestine Action sabotages RAF base over UK role in Gaza war
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Friday's action at Brize Norton marks one of the group's most significant strikes yet, directly confronting a military base central to the UK's support operations in the region.
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Screengrab shows a pro-Palestine activist approaching an RAF aircraft during the sabotage operation. (Palestine Action)
Two activists from Palestine Action on Friday breached Britain's RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire, damaging two military aircraft in protest of the UK's role in enabling the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza.
The activists sprayed red paint into the engines of two Voyager aircraft and used crowbars to disable components. A Palestinian flag was placed on the runway, and parts of the tarmac were covered in red paint, symbolizing the bloodshed in Gaza. Footage of the action was later shared by the group on social media.
BREAKING: Palestine Action break into RAF Brize Norton and damage two military aircrafts.
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) June 20, 2025
Flights depart daily from the base to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
From Cyprus, British planes collect intelligence, refuel fighter jets and transport weapons to commit genocide in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/zzmFqGKW8N
"Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza, and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets," Palestine Action said in a statement. "Britain isn't just complicit, it's an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East."
The UK Ministry of Defense responded by condemning the act as vandalism, framing the armed forces as defenders of national values. "Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain... It is our responsibility to support those who defend us," the ministry said. But for many, the military's deep logistical and material support for Israeli operations raises serious ethical and legal questions.
Local police confirmed an investigation into the action is underway, though no arrests have been made.
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Direct resistance
Since the onset of the war on Gaza, Palestine Action has intensified its campaign against the UK's military-industrial ties to "Israel." The group has previously shut down two Elbit Systems-linked arms factories in Oldham and Tamworth and forced companies like Dean Group International to cut contracts with Israeli weapons manufacturers. Their disruptive tactics—ranging from factory occupations and sabotage to sustained divestment pressure, have challenged British institutions to reckon with their role in supplying the machinery of occupation.
Friday's action at Brize Norton marks one of the group's most significant strikes yet, directly confronting a military base central to the UK's support operations in the region.
While authorities have not released details on the extent of the damage, the message from Palestine Action is clear: as long as the UK continues to fuel Israeli aggression, direct resistance will persist.
