March 22, 2010

Studies conducted by a group of Italian researchers have revealed the presence of dangerous levels of toxins in the bodies of Palestinian victims of Israeli bombings during operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009. The results of tests conducted on a sample of 15 dead and wounded victims of the war on Gaza, in addition to another sample of 95 citizens, showed the presence of 30 toxic components, notably high levels of uranium. A senior Ministry of Health official in Gaza, Medhat Abbas, confirmed the findings during a press conference last Thursday.

According to Mr. Abbas, the study showed the presence of dangerous substances toxic to human embryos which distort and threaten infertility in men and women and affect genes. It was absorbed through the skin or the mouth during eating.

In a previous study, the same researchers emphasized that the soil of the Gaza Strip now contains toxic metals and carcinogens harmful to embryos. This was due, they claimed, to the absorption of materials used in the recent Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Gaza’s Health Minister, Dr Bassem Naim, said the study of the biological samples proved that the Israelis used internationally proscribed weapons against the Palestinians. He warned that the large percentage of toxic uranium in the territory would pose a real threat to future generations. Dr Naim added that his department will send the research findings to the relevant human rights authorities which are documenting Israeli war crimes in the territory.