In a dramatic display of dissent, activists from the pro-Palestine group Palestine Action breached security at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, climbing onto the base's perimeter fencing to protest the UK's alleged complicity in Israeli military actions. The demonstration, which unfolded early on Wednesday, saw at least five arrests as police scrambled to contain the disruption.
The protesters, wielding banners and flares, accused the British government of facilitating arms transfers to Israel, which they claim are being used in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. "We cannot stand by while our taxes fund genocide," one activist shouted from atop the fence before being detained.
Police Response and Base Lockdown
Gloucestershire Police confirmed that officers were deployed to the scene after receiving reports of trespassers. A spokesperson stated, "We are working with Ministry of Defence officials to safely resolve the situation." The base was temporarily locked down, disrupting operations.
Growing Tensions Over UK-Israel Military Links
The protest highlights escalating tensions over Britain's military cooperation with Israel, particularly since the outbreak of war in Gaza last October. RAF Fairford, a key staging post for US and UK military operations, has become a focal point for activists opposing Western involvement in the conflict.
Palestine Action, known for its direct-action tactics, has targeted several UK defence sites in recent months. "This is just the beginning," a group representative warned. "We will continue to disrupt until the UK cuts all ties with Israel's war machine."
