Written question asked by Richard Burgon (Labour) on Monday, 13 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2025 (named day). It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Monday, 20 October 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Gaza: Surveillance
- Question
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To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the flight path of the RAF surveillance plane that overflew Gaza on 1 April 2024.
- Answer
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Since the terrorist attacks against Israel of 7 October 2023, the UK government has been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals, who were kidnapped.
In support of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence conducted surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including operating in air space over Israel and Gaza from December 2023. The surveillance aircraft were always unarmed, did not have a combat role, and were tasked solely to locate hostages.
Following the agreement of the Gaza peace plan between Israel and Hamas, and the release of remaining hostages, the Ministry of Defence has ceased surveillance flights over Gaza. The last fight took place on the 10 October 2025.
We thank our UK personnel for their dedication and professionalism. I am unable to disclose the information requested as to do so would undermine Defence’s ability to respond to hostage rescue scenarios in the future.
Secondary information
- Type
- Written question
- Reference
- 81335
- Session
- 2024-26
- Subjects
- Air force Gaza Surveillance
- Link
- View this Written question on www.parliament.uk
Librarians' tools
- Timestamp
- 2025-10-20 18:08:38 +0100
- URI
- http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2024-26/81335
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