Flight tracking data cited in the report shows a noticeable reduction in visible RAF Shadow R1 missions over Gaza in the past month. However, the Ministry of Defence has declined to specify which aircraft are currently in use, confirming only that operations are “still ongoing.” These activities have been carried out from RAF Akrotiri, just a short flight from Tel Aviv.

Former British Major General Charlie Herbert expressed skepticism about the MoD’s justification, telling The Times, “It’s all good and proper saying they are handing over intelligence for the purposes of locating hostages, but in reality that intelligence is just as likely to be used [to target] Hamas and others.”

A British source familiar with regional surveillance operations said the UK enjoys a comprehensive intelligence advantage in the Middle East and called the data “a bird’s-eye view of the genocide.” The UK is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, along with the U.S., Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Secrecy And Contradiction Amid Diplomatic Shifts

The British government has been under increasing pressure to clarify its military support for Israel, especially as it edges closer to recognising Palestinian statehood. Just last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said recognition would come by September if no ceasefire is reached, prompting sharp criticism from Israeli officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded by accusing London of rewarding “Hamas’s monstrous terrorism,” warning that a Palestinian state “will threaten Britain tomorrow.”

This backdrop of escalating rhetoric has intensified public and parliamentary scrutiny over the UK’s military role. Earlier this year, the government blocked a parliamentary question about whether Israeli bombers were using the Akrotiri base—fueling concerns about transparency.

The Ministry of Defence reiterated that it is open to cooperating with the International Criminal Court if it formally requests information relevant to war crimes investigations. Meanwhile, activists and lawmakers continue to question the legality and ethical basis of the UK’s military actions in support of Israel’s Gaza operations.