The UK Government has reaffirmed that Royal Air Force (RAF) surveillance flights near Gaza are strictly limited to the search for hostages and are not being used in combat operations or broader intelligence sharing, according to a series of written parliamentary responses released this week.
In response to a question from Zarah Sultana MP (Independent, Coventry South) about how the Ministry of Defence ensures any intelligence shared with Israel complies with international humanitarian law, Defence Minister Luke Pollard stated: “Defence activity with Israel, as with any other State, is subject to rigorous processes to ensure that it is compliant with domestic and international law.”
The responses also clarify the status of RAF airdrops and surveillance missions. Pollard confirmed that the RAF stopped participating in airdrops of humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing operational constraints and the increased viability of land-based delivery routes. However, he added that the UK remains ready to resume support if required, and continues to press Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian access.
“Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool,” he said, noting that the UK had recently convened a UN Security Council meeting alongside European partners to call for unimpeded aid access.
Several questions addressed RAF surveillance operations from Akrotiri in Cyprus, where Shadow R1 reconnaissance aircraft have been flying since January. Responding to Brendan O’Hara MP (SNP, Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber), Pollard reiterated: “Our mandate is narrowly defined to focus on securing the release of hostages only.”
He stressed that RAF aircraft operating over Gaza and Israel are unarmed and operate under the terms of existing ceasefire arrangements. “RAF aircraft operated in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas when flying in support of hostage recovery,” he stated.
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP (Labour, Poole) also pressed the Ministry on whether surveillance flights continued during a ceasefire period. In reply, Pollard confirmed they had, but within the limits of operational security and with a continued focus on hostage recovery.
While specific operational details remain classified, the Government maintains that these flights are part of a limited, humanitarian-focused mission and not part of broader military or combat support operations.
The responses come amid continued concern from some MPs and advocacy groups over the transparency of UK involvement in the conflict, particularly around surveillance operations and intelligence sharing. Ministers insist, however, that the UK’s role is both lawful and limited, with a strong emphasis on supporting the safe return of hostages and encouraging humanitarian relief.
Zarah Sultana.
Regular as clockwork when one studies her Wiki entry and political views regards Jews, “White people” the Holocaust and other subjects.
And she shared a stage with Mr Corbyn.
Another MP with nothing but the best interests of the wider UK population in mind when fixed on Gaza….
She has been told repeatedly but refuses to accept it as it does not fit with her narrative. An unstable and dangerous individual who is the mouth piece for certain groups on the UKs terrorism watch list.
Which aircraft are being used and how do they find hostage locations?