The British government is launching an investigation into pro-Palestinian protesters who successfully infiltrated a military base and damaged aircraft.
Activist group Palestine Action took credit for the startling break-in at Royal Air Force Brize Norton, posting footage online that shows alleged members of their organization spray painting the runway and the inside of jet engines.
“Flights depart daily from [RAF Brize Norton] to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. From Cyprus, British planes collect intelligence, refuel fighter jets and transport weapons to commit genocide in Gaza,” the group explained as their motivation.
“Despite publicly condemning the Israeli government, Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US and Israeli fighter jets,” a spokesman for the group said.
The scooter-riding vandals committed the crime without being detected and successfully fled the scene without arrest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer lamented the incident, denouncing the disrespect shown to the British Armed Forces.
“The act of vandalism committed at RAF Brize Norton is disgraceful,” Starmer said. “Our Armed Forces represent the very best of Britain and put their lives on the line for us every day. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”
Defense Secretary John Healey ordered a review of military bases across the country, saying he was “really disturbed” by the lapse in security.
Local authorities previously announced that an investigation is underway, but no suspect has yet been made public.
“Inquiries are ongoing to locate and arrest those responsible,” said Thames Valley Police.
The British Ministry of Defense and counterterrorism police are also participating in the investigations.
The British government has hardened its position against Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, deploying sanctions on members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet.
ISRAELI STRIKES ON GAZA KILL AT LEAST 20 AS WAR RAGES ON AFTER THE OPENING OF A NEW FRONT WITH IRAN
Overseas financial assets belong to Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich were frozen last week. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway joined the U.K. in implementing these sanctions.
The U.K. cited “inflammatory and extremist statements from both individuals” regarding the expansion of settlers into the West Bank as justification.