Italian experts warn of adverse long-term effects of Israel’s war on Gaza

The researchers said in their study that Israel’s excessive use of this internationally-banned type of weapons would continue to exist over a long period of time, and noted that Israel used more than 3,500 white phosphorus bombs during its war on Gaza.

They added that Israel’s use of this considerable number of bombs means that the size of area which was exposed to the effects of white phosphorus was so massive if also the small area of the densely-populated Strip was taken into consideration.

Their study pointed to the fact that the white phosphorus is a very dangerous material when it touches anything and burns the human body completely when it interacts with it.

The study stressed that the agricultural sector sustained substantial damage as a result of the effects of white phosphorus on Gaza lands.

According to the report, many agricultural areas used for cultivating herbs and plants that were hit by Israeli weapons are now barren, and the trees have dried up while a lot of new plants and emerging plant shoots began showing effects of genetic mutations such as physical distortions and yellowing.

Many farmers also complain of the stunted growth of their agricultural crops, trees’ erosion and falling branches. Produce has become small and the yield from harvests is low while the situation continues to worsen.

The research team also found concentrations of the highly toxic metal Molybdenum at 25 to 3000 times normal levels. Molybdenum is lethal to sperm and adversely affects both fertility and unborn babies.

In the same context, the European campaign to end the siege said Saturday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is very difficult in light of the closure of crossings and the ongoing naval blockade.

The campaign appealed to the European Union to prove its credibility and enable Gaza people to rebuild their destroyed homes, their schools and infrastructure, and not to confer legitimacy on the siege by allowing consumer goods into Gaza.

The campaign noted it sent letters to the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy Catherine Ashton and the ministers of foreign affairs of Spain, France and Italy to brief them on the reality of Israel’s decision to alleviate the siege.