The UK government has confirmed that RAF surveillance flights over Gaza are sharing intelligence with Israel, specifically for hostage rescue operations.
This represents a shift from the UK’s previous stance, where it had only suggested such intelligence-sharing might be taking place without official confirmation.
In response to parliamentary questions posed by MPs regarding the legality of UK support to the Israeli military, Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin asked whether UK intelligence was being used by Israeli forces for military targeting, considering concerns about Israel’s compliance with international law.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence, clarified that any support provided by the Ministry of Defence is lawful under both international and domestic law.
Pollard confirmed that since December 2023, RAF surveillance aircraft have been flying over Gaza specifically tasked with supporting hostage rescue efforts. He stated, “Only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authority responsible for hostage rescue. The surveillance aircraft are unarmed and do not have a combat role. We are unable to comment further on detailed intelligence matters for operational security reasons.”
In previous parliamentary exchanges, the Ministry of Defence had not explicitly confirmed whether intelligence from RAF missions was being shared with Israel. MPs had raised concerns about the potential broader use of the data collected, including its role in military targeting.
However, the government has consistently maintained that the RAF’s involvement is limited to supporting hostage rescue operations.
The information was all collected in the “Shadows” so who knows how it got to Israel?😏
Is there data on any atrocities that may have occurred by either side?
Excellent, all assistance possible should be given to the Israel to attempt to recover their kidnapped citizens..
Agreed.
After virtually a year kept in the absolute terror of Hamas, I can’t begin to imagine the state these poor souls are in….