The United Kingdom is set to classify the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization following an attack on a Royal Air Force (RAF) base in central England. The group, which is known for its anti-Israel stance, targeted RAF Brize Norton, causing significant damage to military aircraft used for refueling and transportation.
According to reports from the BBC and Sky News, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to announce the proscription on Monday, after which new legislation will be proposed to formalize this action.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The incident occurred at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where activists from Palestine Action managed to break into the military base. Once inside, they vandalized two aircraft, including a Voyager air-to-air refueling tanker, by spraying red paint onto them and causing further damage with crowbars.
The group filmed the act and posted it on social media platform X, showing the activists roaming the base on scooters, spraying paint on planes, and even leaving a Palestinian flag on the runway.
In a statement accompanying the video, Palestine Action expressed its opposition to the UK’s support of Israel, accusing the British government of being complicit in what it calls the “genocide” in Gaza.
The group claimed that its actions were motivated by the UK’s continued involvement in military support for Israel, including refueling US and Israeli fighter jets and flying spy planes over Gaza.
Despite the severity of the vandalism, Palestine Action claimed its activists were able to leave the base without being detained.
Political Reactions
The attack was quickly condemned by UK officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the act of vandalism as “disgraceful.”
Starmer expressed his firm stance against such actions, emphasizing that they undermined the duty and dedication of the UK’s armed forces. His condemnation came shortly after Palestine Action posted a video of the vandalism on social media.
The UK Ministry of Defence also condemned the attack, expressing support for the military personnel involved. A spokesperson for the Ministry said, “Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain,” and assured that a “full security review” was underway at the airbase to prevent further breaches.
Investigations and Security Measures
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on how activists gained access to the airbase and caused criminal damage.
Although the attack did not disrupt any planned aircraft movements or operations, the government said it would review security measures across the entire defense estate.
RAF Brize Norton plays a critical role in supporting overseas operations, including flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which serves as the UK’s largest air force base in the Middle East.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Iran conflict, the UK has increased its military presence in the region, including the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager tankers to Cyprus.
Palestine Action’s History of Anti-Israel Actions
Palestine Action has a history of targeting companies and organizations it accuses of being linked to Israeli defense operations. This includes stealing busts of Israel’s first president, Chaim Weizmann, from the University of Manchester in November 2023, and claiming responsibility for vandalizing a US military aircraft in Ireland last month.
The group’s actions come in the context of growing global anti-Israel sentiment following the October 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas on Israel.
UK Government Response
The UK government’s move to proscribe Palestine Action reflects its commitment to ensuring that the country’s military assets remain secure from acts of vandalism and terror.
With the escalating tensions in the Middle East and growing anti-Israel sentiment, the government is taking steps to strengthen security around its defense installations.
While Palestine Action’s activities continue to spark debate, the UK’s response signals a clear commitment to protecting its armed forces and national security.