Pro-Palestinian activists from the campaign group Palestine Action broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, central England, on Friday, targeting two Voyager aircraft.
The group claimed responsibility for spraying red paint into the planes’ engines and damaging them with crowbars, actions they said were to protest the UK’s support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The activists also sprayed red paint, symbolizing Palestinian bloodshed, across the runway and left a Palestine flag at the scene.
They reportedly exited the base undetected, avoiding arrest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as “disgraceful” vandalism in a statement on X.
The Ministry of Defence and police launched investigations, with the ministry emphasizing the duty to support the armed forces, stating, “It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
A spokesperson for Starmer noted that the government is reviewing security measures at all UK defense sites to prevent similar breaches.
The incident has raised concerns about vulnerabilities at military facilities.
Palestine Action’s statement accused the UK of active participation in the Gaza genocide through military cargo shipments and refueling support for U.S. and Israeli jets, despite public criticism of Israel’s actions.
The group’s actions align with ongoing protests, including recent demonstrations outside Parliament demanding an arms embargo on Israel.
The UK’s decision to maintain F-35 component shipments, despite a partial arms suspension in September 2024, has fueled tensions.
The Gaza war has resulted in over 55,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry, intensifying global calls for accountability.