Four arrested over pro-Palestine vandalism at UK air base

Four people have been arrested in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that involved vandalizing military aircraft at an airbase in in the United Kingdom, authorities said.

On June 20, two activists from the group Palestine Action allegedly broke into the Royal Air Force's Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire, England, where they sprayed red paint on two refueling and transport aircraft and damaged them with crowbars.

Three individuals, aged 29 to 36, were arrested on suspicion of committing, preparing, or instigating acts of terrorism. A fourth person, a 41-year-old woman, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, according to UK police.

UK moves to ban protest group Palestine Action

Palestine Action, who claimed the action, responded to the arrests by accusing authorities of cracking down on "nonviolent protests" that disrupt the flow of weapons to Israel during what it called the country's "genocide in Palestine."

Last week, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the act "disgraceful," while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday announced plans to ban Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.

According to Cooper, the group's actions have become "more aggressive," with members showing a "willingness to use violence."

The Home Secretary decided to proscribe the group following the incident. Once the ban takes effect next Friday, supporting the group will become a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, Palestine Action has targeted facilities linked to Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems, as well as other companies with ties to Israel.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse