British military surveillance aircraft have been conducting aerial reconnaissance missions over the Gaza Strip and transmitting gathered intelligence directly to Israeli forces, according to official UK government sources cited in multiple media reports.
Ongoing UK Involvement Since the Start of the War
As reported by Israel Hayom, since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft have been carrying out near-daily missions to collect sensitive intelligence on ground movements across Gaza.
On Tuesday, The Times (UK) confirmed that British Air Force reconnaissance missions over Gaza are being conducted under the justification of aiding efforts to locate Israeli captives. However, collected intelligence is being shared directly with Israel, raising serious concerns about the UK’s operational role in supporting Israeli military objectives.
Citing government sources, The Times reported:
“Intelligence gathered by the RAF and other UK assets in the region is being transferred to Israel in real time to track the movements of Israeli captives.”
Surveillance Aircraft Conducted Hundreds of Flights
Open-source flight data has revealed that Shadow R1 surveillance aircraft have conducted hundreds of sorties over Gaza, the most recent taking place last month. These flights launched from the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.
The Shadow R1 is a highly advanced spy aircraft equipped with electro-optical and electronic sensors capable of scanning vehicle convoys, roads, residential buildings, and tracking specific movements with precision.
Despite no new flights recorded in recent days, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that reconnaissance operations over Gaza are ongoing. An RAF source stated that one Shadow aircraft had recently returned to the UK, but it remains unclear which aircraft has taken over surveillance duties.
Cooperation Continues Despite Political Tensions
While political friction between London and Tel Aviv intensified following Britain’s announcement of its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, British military assistance to Israel has not ceased.
According to Israel Hayom, the UK has been flying surveillance missions over Gaza since the war began, continuing to assist Israeli efforts to locate captives, despite diplomatic disagreements.
The report reiterates:
“RAF aircraft have conducted near-daily operations to collect sensitive ground movement data since October 2023.”
Domestic Backlash and Activist Response
The UK’s intelligence support for Israel has sparked sharp criticism from left-wing and pro-Palestinian groups. This backlash culminated in a dramatic protest in June, when activists from the “Action for Palestine” movement stormed a British airbase, damaging transport aircraft they claimed were being used in support of Israel’s military operations.
Following the incident, UK authorities moved to ban the movement, underscoring the government’s intolerance toward domestic dissent over its Gaza policy.
