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.
Very sadly, I doubt any of the hostages are still alive…
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.
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.
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.
And Hussain.
Another independent only because Labour took the Whip.
Another Corbyn loyalist in parliament.
It all fits.
The enemy within.
As we often say mate. 👍
Given the recent unfortunate use of that phrase in the US, and the history of it (fascism), perhaps it’s better to acknowledge that diversity of view is healthy political discourse however working against the national interest is what traitors do.
Oh yes, totally believable, much like the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction lies
They were not “lies” they believed wmd’s existed. Intel were receiving false information, which they thought to be accurate.
The film Official Secrets based on true events, is well worth a watch, certainly not Britains best hour when dodgy US information and pressure was fed to GCHQ and knowingly used by some at the top to help back joining the US in the Iraq war basically because we were scared to damage the ‘special relationship’. Lessons for today perhaps with a coming Trump Presidency. After all we all know he ‘loves Britain his mum was Scottish’ blah, blah, blah, until we start acting as if we were an Independent Country. Even yesterday we had a former Trump Chief of Staff telling the BBC what a good idea it would be to use Farage (as he so selflessly offered) as a go between for Starmer and Trump. Perhaps we should do likewise and suggest to the Americans Hillary Clinton for the role.
Well the problem with what you just said is that you take the line if there is one lie everything else by subjective definition is lies too and therefore I will simply believe what I want to believe even if there is no evidence to feed such a bias. The better view is surely to judge everything individually based on whatever evidence is available to support or refute it, or otherwise remain essentially neutral even if you have subjective suspicions. ask questions yes but don’t make up the answer before you ask them.
As one Labour Colleague once said about Corbyn, he learnt everything he knew about the World by the age of 16 and since then has simply re arranged the World to suit. I met a lot of people like that at Uni sadly, especially in Militant, many of whom conveniently slipped far too easily, like Derek Hatton from Trotskyist activist to capitalist exploiting lackey far too easily. Mind you he dressed like the latter from the start. It’s the power buzz and media whoredom that feeds them in the end.
Considering the complete lack of attempt to protect civilians that isreal is operating, I don’t see the issue with the questions aimed at ensuring we as a country are not supporting them with their military actions.
Both sides of the war are not exactly acting properly or attempting to de-escalate, and we as a nation should have no involvement. Any involvement is just putting our nation at risk of attack.
The UK has the right under International Law of Defence against insurgents, for example Irish Republican Army, or Islamic State, and so does Israel.
Diplomatic statements to that effect are support for the rule of law, not getting involved in the conflict itself. The UK is already at risk of attack by terrorists and have made significant investment in mitigating that risk.
This article brings clarity on UK intelligence contribution to the search for hostages. The Iranian Embassy Seige being an example of a legitimate UK reaction to hostage taking.
I think this has gone way past insurgency. Isreal has declared a war and fighting against the Geneva convention by not protecting civilians where possible.
Some of what you say is correct even arguably ethical, but seriously comparing the Iranian Embassy Seige to what Israel is doing in Gaza and Lebanon, whatever the initial hideous provocation is a stretch far too far surely. Don’t start giving Putin ideas about how he can use such excuses to take out just about anyone and anything because he’s pretty good at such tactics already.