The Use of Prohibited Weapons in Gaza: A Deep-Dive Investigation

An investigation by Al Jazeera has revealed that Israel's military operations in Gaza have employed internationally prohibited thermal and thermobaric weapons, resulting in the vaporization of thousands of Palestinian bodies. These weapons, often referred to as vacuum or aerosol bombs, can generate temperatures exceeding 3,500 degrees Celsius (6,332 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to the obliteration of human remains. Eyewitness accounts, such as that of Yasmin Mahani, illustrate the devastating impact of these strikes, as she searched for her son Saad after an attack on the al-Tabin school, only to find no trace of him.

Experts attribute the phenomenon of bodies "evaporating" to the chemical compositions of the munitions used. Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director general of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that when human bodies are exposed to extreme heat, the fluids boil instantly, causing tissues to vaporize and turn to ash. The investigation identified specific U.S.-manufactured munitions, including the MK-84 bomb and the GBU-39 glide bomb, which are linked to these disappearances. The MK-84, for instance, is a 900 kg unguided bomb that creates a large fireball capable of incinerating everything within its range.

The use of such indiscriminate weapons raises significant legal and ethical concerns. Diana Buttu, a legal expert, stated that the supply chain of these weapons implicates not only Israel but also its Western suppliers, including the United States and European nations. She emphasized that the continued provision of these weapons, which do not distinguish between combatants and noncombatants, constitutes a war crime under international law.

Despite the International Court of Justice issuing provisional measures against Israel in January 2024, and an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in November 2024, violence has escalated. Tariq Shandab, a professor of international law, criticized the international justice system for failing to hold Israel accountable, citing the blockade on essential supplies as a crime against humanity. He noted that while the U.S. veto power at the UN Security Council has granted Israel a degree of impunity, alternative paths to justice may exist through universal jurisdiction courts in countries like Germany and France.

The human toll of these military operations is profound. Rafiq Badran, who lost four children in the Bureij refugee camp, recounted his harrowing experience of searching for his children, stating, “Four of my children just evaporated. I looked for them a million times. Not a piece was left.” This sentiment reflects the anguish felt by many families in Gaza, where the destruction has left deep emotional scars.

The investigation into Israel's use of thermal and thermobaric weapons in Gaza underscores a critical humanitarian crisis. With over 72,037 reported deaths and nearly 90 percent of Gaza's infrastructure destroyed, the implications of these actions extend beyond immediate military objectives, raising urgent questions about accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.