British Anti-Genocide Activists Damage RAF Planes in Oxfordshire

London (Quds News Network)- British Defence Secretary John Healey has ordered a full investigation after two anti-genocide activists sprayed paint on two war planes at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire in protest against the UK’s involvement in the Gaza genocide.

The activists, from Palestine Action, entered the UK’s largest airbase early Friday. They sprayed red paint on two Voyager aircraft engines and used crowbars to damage them further. A video shared on X showed the activists moving around the base on scooters, leaving behind a Palestinian flag on the runway.

Healey called the act “totally unacceptable” and confirmed a review of all military base security is now underway. I am really disturbed that this happened and have ordered an investigation and a review of wider security at our bases,” he said in a post on X.

The Ministry of Defence condemned the act, calling it “criminal damage” and confirmed coordination with police on the investigation. Officials said the incident has not affected flight operations or military planning.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the incident, describing it as a “disgraceful act of sabotage.” His office said the government is conducting a broad review of security at all UK defence sites.

Brize Norton serves as a key hub for air-to-air refueling and military transport. It supports flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, the largest British base in the Middle East.

Palestine Action said the operation was a response to Britain’s continued military support for Israel amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In a statement, the group stated the UK of “fueling genocide and war crimes,” despite official statements criticizing the Israeli government.

The group said the UK continues to ship arms to Israel, fly surveillance planes over Gaza, and refuel both US and Israeli fighter jets. “Britain isn’t just complicit,” the statement said. “It’s an active participant in Gaza’s genocide.”

The incident comes amid growing protests across the UK and Europe over Western support for Israel. Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed more than 55,000 Palestinians and wounded over 130,000 since October 2023. Most victims are women and children. More than 11,000 remain missing, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. The enclave now faces a severe hunger crisis due to Israel’s siege.

Palestine Action has carried out similar actions targeting British arms companies and military suppliers linked to Israel. The group says direct disruption is necessary to end the UK’s complicity in crimes against humanity.