The Ministry of Defence has clarified the scope of its surveillance operations over Gaza, affirming that the primary objective remains the safe release of hostages, including British nationals.

This assurance was provided in response to two separate parliamentary questions posed on 4th November 2024 by Independent MPs Richard Burgon and Imran Hussain.

In the first question, MP Richard Burgon asked whether intelligence gathered by RAF surveillance flights over Gaza was shared with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and if this information would be declassified and published.

Responding to the query, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard emphasised that information sharing is restricted to matters directly related to hostage rescue efforts.

He stated, “Only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed to the relevant authorities.” The Minister declined to provide further details, citing operational security.

In a second question, MP Imran Hussain requested information about the operation’s codename and the costs incurred from October 2023 to October 2024. Minister Pollard reiterated that the mandate of these operations is specifically focused on securing the release of hostages.

He declined to disclose additional details, again pointing to operational security reasons.

These responses underscore the limited and highly targeted nature of the UK’s aerial surveillance efforts over Gaza, amid ongoing concerns for the hostages’ welfare.

Tom has spent the last 13 years working in the defence industry, specifically military and commercial shipbuilding. His work has taken him around Europe and the Far East, he is currently based in Scotland.
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John Clark
John Clark
2 hours ago

Very sadly, I doubt any of the hostages are still alive…

Phil
Phil
1 hour ago

Both MPs are well documented as anti-Semitic and anti-British and supporters of Hamas. They’re using this as a stick to beat Israel and the UK Government with. They care nothing about the hostages.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
35 minutes ago
Reply to  Phil

And as if the MoD would actually release details of these flights, which would indicate the ISTAR capabilities of the aircraft.
Naive sprang to mind, but if they have the background you suggest I’m not the least surprised.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
28 minutes ago

And yep, just checked Burgon out.

Corbyn supporter. Tick.
STW protests. Tick.
Comments on “Zionists” Tick.
Labour CND!!! BIG Tick.
Pro immigration in all forms and any squeaks against declared “racism” Tick.

Only out of the Labour Party at the moment as the Whip was removed.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli
25 minutes ago

And Hussain.
Another independent only because Labour took the Whip.
Another Corbyn loyalist in parliament.
It all fits.

Raz
Raz
12 seconds ago

Oh yes, totally believable, much like the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction lies