PRO-PALESTINIAN protesters have gained access to an RAF base and damaged two military planes.
Palestine Action said they sprayed red paint into the engines of two Airbus Voyager aircraft after breaking into RAF Brize Norton on Thursday evening.
Video sent to The National by the activist group showed two people on electric scooters crossing the runway of the base before spraying the engines of the jets with repurposed fire extinguishers.
The group said they also used crowbars to cause further damage to the military planes, with one of the planes hit is believed to be the UK’s VIP jet, often used to fly prime ministers and Royal Family members on official visits.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said: “Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US [and] Israeli fighter jets.
“Britain isn't just complicit, it's an active participant in the Gaza genocide and war crimes across the Middle East.
“By decommissioning two military planes, Palestine Action have directly intervened in the genocide and prevented crimes against the Palestinian people.”
RAF Brize Norton serves as the hub for the UK’s air transport and refuelling, including flights to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
The air force has routinely conducted reconnaissance flights over Gaza out of the Cyprus base, to supply relevant intelligence to the Israeli government.
Palestine Action claimed its activists had put the supply planes “out of service” following the incident on Thursday night.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We strongly condemn this vandalism of Royal Air Force assets.
"We are working closely with the police who are investigating.
“Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain. They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
