ALBAWABA - In a recent revelation by British investigative source Declassified UK, it has come to light that the United Kingdom has conducted approximately 50 surveillance flights over the Gaza Strip since October 7. These flights are suspected of providing intelligence support to the Tel Aviv administration involved in significant military operations in the region.
According to the investigative report, British aircraft taking off from the Akrotiri Air Base in the British Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri, situated in the southern part of the Republic of Cyprus, have been engaged in an estimated daily average of one flight over Gaza since the start of December, allegedly for the purpose of offering intelligence assistance to Israel.
While queries regarding the nature of intelligence shared by the British military with Israel remain unanswered, scrutiny of flight tracking records indicates the use of the "Shadow R1" surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft during these operations.
Reportedly commencing on December 3, these surveillance flights over Gaza intensified with three flights occurring on January 3. Each of these flights reportedly extended for approximately six hours.
The UK Ministry of Defence had earlier announced on December 3 that these surveillance flights over Gaza were intended to support the rescue efforts of prisoners and provide intelligence assistance to Israel.
In a previous Declassified report on November 26, it was highlighted that US and British military aircraft launched from the Republic of Cyprus were aiding Israel. The report noted 33 military flights, including a C-17A transport aircraft, conducted between Akrotiri and Tel Aviv from October 13 to 26.
Since the initiation of Israel's offensive on the Gaza Strip on October 7, the devastating toll stands at a reported 24,927 Palestinians killed, including 10,800 children and 7,250 women. The aftermath includes ongoing rescues of those trapped beneath rubble, with hospitals and educational institutions—often sought as safe havens—becoming targets, resulting in widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure.
