A recent report by the British Palestinian Committee (BPC) has unveiled the full extent of the UK’s military collaboration with Israel during its war on Gaza, which saw well over 47,000 Palestinians killed, sparking calls for an immediate halt to this partnership.
The report gave an in-depth look at how UK resources – including military bases, arms exports, and logistical support – were instrumental in sustaining Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which saw much of the enclave utterly destroyed.Â
According to the BPC, while the UK was not directly responsible for violence in Gaza, but did play a pivotal role through “the validation of arms licences, procurement of Israeli military technology, and strategic collaboration via British military installations”.
UK-made components directly supported Israel’s controversial use of F-35 fighter jets, which were deployed extensively in Gaza.
The report cited an attack on 13 July 2024, during which an Israeli F-35 dropped three 2,000-pound bombs on a camp for displaced Palestinians in Al-Mawasi, killing at least 90 civilians.
Sara Husseini, Director of the BPC said: “A full year ago, the International Court of Justice issued urgent provisional measures warning that Israel’s assault on Gaza amounted to a serious risk of genocide.
“As the world looked on in horror, Israel continued its genocidal aggression in Gaza for a further 12 months. The UK has provided active military assistance to Israel throughout.”
Despite suspending direct shipments of F-35 components to Israel in September 2024, the UK government has allowed parts to be exported to a global pool, enabling Israel to continue to access essential spares indirectly.
Court documents cited in the report revealed that British officials had resisted stricter measures, claiming that a suspension of F-35 exports could “threaten global peace and security”.
However, the report argued this stance was inconsistent with the government’s acknowledgement of a “clear risk” that Israel could use F-35s to commit war crimes.Â
Military bases in CyprusÂ
The report also shed light on the strategic role of two British sovereign military bases in Cyprus – Akrotiri and Dhekelia. These installations, remnants of Britain’s colonial history on the island, have been critical in facilitating the transport of military cargo to Israel.Â
Akrotiri, which operates as a key RAF base, has been used to airlift weapons, intelligence, and personnel to Israel throughout the Gaza conflict. Cargo often originates from US military bases in Europe before being routed through Cyprus to Israel. Dhekelia, meanwhile, functions as a joint UK-US intelligence hub.Â
“Although these bases operate as collaborative sites, all activities on British territory require UK government approval,” the report wrote.Â
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Akrotiri in December 2024, where he addressed troops and praised their role in undisclosed operations. “The whole world is relying on you,” he told them. “A lot of what you do here can’t be talked about publicly, but your efforts are making a difference.”
UK’s complicity in war crimesÂ
The BPC’s report accused the UK government of not only failing to prevent Israeli war crimes but of being “actively complicit” in them, which stems, it is argued, from the supply of military equipment and intelligence used in attacks that have devastated Gaza.Â
“British institutions and officials are implicated in the gravest breaches of international law,” the report claimed, adding that the UK’s collaboration has extended to areas beyond Gaza.
It cites the UK’s assistance in defending Israel’s military infrastructure from Iranian threats and its involvement in attacks on Houthi forces in Yemen as evidence of its broader militaristic approach in the region.Â
The report also highlights the economic ties underpinning this collaboration. The UK is a senior partner in the US-led F-35 programme, producing over 15 percent of each jet, according to Lockheed Martin UK. Nearly 80 British companies, including BAE Systems and Martin Baker, contribute to the programme.Â
Campaigners are demanding an immediate end to the UK’s military collaboration with Israel.
“The government is operating in the shadows, without parliamentary scrutiny, and enabling atrocities against the Palestinian people,” said a BPC spokesperson.Â
“The UK is not merely complicit – it is an active participant in violations of international law. Without immediate action, it risks cementing its role in perpetuating violence in Gaza and beyond.”
