DaysofPal—Verified British reports have revealed that the Royal Air Force (RAF) has conducted over 500 intelligence flights over the Gaza Strip since December 2023, under the pretext of “locating hostages,” amid growing concerns that the gathered intelligence may be indirectly supporting Israeli military operations.
According to Declassified UK, the reconnaissance flights—carried out by Shadow R1 aircraft—have departed from Britain’s Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus, and have continued almost daily until mid-2025, including during temporary ceasefires.
These flights, equipped with advanced imaging and surveillance systems, have sparked widespread controversy among UK human rights groups and members of Parliament, particularly after some missions coincided with Israeli airstrikes that killed civilians, including British aid volunteers in Gaza.
While the British government insists the missions are solely intended to “assist hostage rescue efforts,” human rights organizations warn that sharing such intelligence could render the UK legally complicit in operations that violate international law, including potential war crimes.
Several MPs have called for an independent public inquiry, similar to the “Chilcot Inquiry,” to investigate Britain’s possible role in supporting military actions in Gaza, particularly through intelligence sharing or the supply of F-35 fighter jet components.
Human rights reports indicate that these jets—of which Britain manufactures up to 15% of the parts—have been repeatedly used in airstrikes targeting civilian areas within Gaza. The UK High Court recently dismissed petitions demanding an end to these exports, ruling the matter as “sovereign.”
International law experts caution that continued support—whether intelligence-based or military—could expose London to global legal scrutiny, especially if it is proven that this support contributed to civilian deaths.
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