A large protest by Palestine supporters in Britain turned violent. Two activists from the campaign group 'Palestine Action' illegally infiltrated the Royal Air Force (RAF) Brize Norton base in central England, damaging two aircraft.
London: The vandalism at a key Royal Air Force (RAF) military base on Friday by the Palestine Action group has sparked a national debate in Britain regarding security and foreign policy. Two activists broke into Brize Norton airbase in Oxfordshire and damaged two RAF aircraft with red paint. The act was a symbolic protest against what they claimed was British military support for Israel.
Red Paint on Aircraft Engines
The organization 'Palestine Action' claimed responsibility, stating that its members specifically targeted RAF Voyager aircraft used for air-to-air refueling. The group alleges that Britain uses these planes to support Israeli warplanes in the Gaza Strip.
As a protest, the activists threw red paint on the engines and other parts of the aircraft, impairing their functionality. Following the incident, the RAF immediately decommissioned the aircraft and put the entire airbase on high alert.
Video Released on Social Media
Palestine Action posted a video of the incident on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), stating that the British government publicly criticizes Israeli aggression but secretly partners in human rights violations in Gaza. The video shows the protestors breaching the airbase perimeter, throwing paint at the aircraft, and raising the Palestinian flag on the runway.
The British Ministry of Defence bly condemned the illegal intrusion and vandalism, stating that their armed forces work in challenging conditions every day to defend the country. Such activities not only affect their morale but also pose a threat to national security. The ministry also clarified that it is investigating the incident with local police and that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.
How Did the Protestors Access the Airbase?
According to the police, a key focus of the investigation is how the activists managed to enter the airbase despite tight security. Preliminary investigations suggest that the protestors used the cover of darkness and dense bushes to breach the airbase fence. Police have filed a case under charges of criminal damage and illegal intrusion into a protected area.
'Palestine Action' is not a new organization. Active since 2020, the group has protested against Israeli arms manufacturers based in Britain, such as Elbit Systems. Their campaigns have included factory shutdowns, runway paint attacks, and protests at public buildings.
