Four pro-Palestine activists have been charged following a break-in at a military air base in central England, where they allegedly damaged two aircraft in protest against the UK’s support for Israel. The incident occurred on June 20 at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and reportedly caused £7 million ($9.55 million) in damages.
According to counter-terrorism police, the individuals face charges of conspiracy to enter a prohibited site for purposes prejudicial to UK safety or interests, and conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Authorities stated that evidence linking the act to terrorism will be presented in court. The suspects, aged between 22 and 35, remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before a London court on Thursday.
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Activist group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the break-in, stating their members sprayed red paint over the two military planes used for transport and refuelling, symbolizing opposition to Britain’s military ties with Israel. The group described the action as a direct response to UK complicity in Israel’s operations in Gaza.
In a separate move, British lawmakers voted on Wednesday to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation, a decision the group has condemned as an “abuse of power.” They have vowed to challenge the classification in court.
Palestine Action has repeatedly targeted companies with links to Israeli defence, including the controversial Elbit Systems, as part of its wider campaign against the UK-Israel arms trade.
