Activists target UK jets in Gaza protest gone viral

In a daring and symbolic act of protest, pro-Palestinian activists from the group Palestine Action on Friday, June 20, 2025, infiltrated the RAF Brize Norton base in central England on June 18.

They targeted two military aircraft to denounce the UK government’s support for Israel’s campaign in Gaza.

The dramatic incident, captured and shared online, has sparked national debate over military security and Britain’s role in Middle Eastern conflict.

The activists, riding electric scooters under the cover of night, breached one of the UK’s largest airfields, home to the RAF’s air mobility fleet, including VIP transport for the King and the Prime Minister.

In a bold display, they sprayed blood-red paint into the engines of two Voyager aircraft using repurposed fire extinguishers and attacked parts of the planes with crowbars.

A Palestinian flag was left draped on the runway, signaling solidarity with Gaza survivors

Cameras rolling, the video captures the activists slipping past base security, scrambling across the tarmac, and executing their assault before disappearing undetected.

Mirroring their intention, the paint symbolized the Palestinian bloodshed amid escalating violence in Gaza.

The group declared that Britain’s military support, cargo flights, surveillance operations, and refueling missions, made it complicit in what they argue are “war crimes” .

Government Response & Security Failings

Prompted by the breach, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the vandalism on X as “disgraceful,” reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting its armed forces.

A Ministry of Defense spokesperson emphasized the professionalism and courage of RAF personnel.

On the other hand, Defense Minister John Healey announced an immediate security review across all military bases

This bold incursion exposed serious vulnerabilities in base security, with senior Conservatives and defense analysts questioning how two intruders managed to access and damage critical assets so easily

Concerns have grown over whether similar tactics—like drone attacks or sabotage—could threaten other sensitive military sites.

Protest Targets & Accusations

Palestine Action, founded in 2020 to challenge the UK’s deep ties with Israeli military suppliers, claimed this act as direct resistance against “British complicity” in Gaza.

The UK government disputes the allegations, stating none of its aircraft have directly supported Israeli strikes.

On the other hand, the group counters that RAF Voyager tankers, some based at Akrotiri, Cyprus, have been used for reconnaissance and refueling missions in the region .

In recent months, Palestine Action has carried out a sustained campaign against defense industry suppliers.

These include airbase breaches, factory vandalism, and red paint protests at firms involved in Israeli drone and weapons production.

Public & Political Fallout

While many Britons view the action as illegal and reckless endangerment, others interpret it as a bold stand in solidarity with Palestinians amid an intensifying humanitarian crisis.

Human rights advocates argue such direct actions catalyze essential discussion but risk compromising national security.

As authorities investigate the breach, Thames Valley Police and MoD Police are reviewing footage and tracing leads to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Potential charges range from criminal damage to sabotage—punishable by severe sentences.

What This Means Going Forward

This dramatic incident opens a broader conversation:

Military Security: Britain’s defenders face renewed questions about safeguarding the nation’s most sensitive facilities.

Political Pressure: Palestine Action and allied groups are demanding a full arms embargo on Israel and cuts to defense cooperation.

Ethical Debate: Brits grapple with balancing national sovereignty against moral responsibility regarding foreign policy and human rights.

Protest vs. Extremism: Authorities are wary that such tactics could be co-opted by more extreme elements, especially amid geopolitical tensions with Iran and Russia.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook