Israel's Use of Prohibited Weapons in Gaza: The Evaporation of Thousands

Since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, Israel's military operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in the vaporization of thousands of Palestinians due to the use of internationally prohibited thermal and thermobaric weapons. Investigations indicate that these weapons, including the MK-84 "Hammer" and GBU-39 small diameter bomb, generate extreme temperatures that obliterate human bodies, leaving behind little more than blood or ash.

Gazans vaporized by Israel's use of US-supplied weapons: ReportTimes of IsraelIsrael’s Use of Advanced Weapons in Gaza Raises Concerns Over Civilian Casualties

Experts attribute the phenomenon of vaporization to the intense heat generated by these munitions, which can exceed 3,500 degrees Celsius (6,332 degrees Fahrenheit). Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director general of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, explained that when human bodies are exposed to such extreme temperatures, the fluids boil instantly, leading to complete vaporization. “It is chemically inevitable,” he stated, emphasizing the destructive power of these weapons.

The investigation highlighted specific munitions used in Gaza, such as the MK-84, which weighs 900 kg (2,000 lbs) and is packed with tritonal—a mixture of TNT and aluminum powder. This bomb creates a massive fireball upon detonation, incinerating everything within its vicinity. The GBU-39, used in attacks on civilian structures like schools, employs a pressure wave that ruptures lungs and incinerates soft tissue.

The ongoing conflict has led to catastrophic civilian casualties, with estimates indicating that over 72,000 people have been killed and nearly 90% of Gaza's infrastructure destroyed. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal noted that the process of accounting for missing persons involves cross-referencing known occupants with recovered bodies. If discrepancies arise, the unaccounted individuals are classified as “evaporated” after exhaustive searches yield no remains.

Gazans vaporized by Israel's use of US-supplied weapons: Report

Legal experts have condemned the use of such indiscriminate weapons, arguing that they violate international law, which prohibits weapons that cannot distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Diana Buttu, a lawyer and lecturer at Georgetown University, described the situation as a “global genocide,” implicating not only Israel but also its Western suppliers, including the United States and European nations, for their complicity in the ongoing violence.

Despite international legal actions, including provisional measures from the International Court of Justice and an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accountability remains elusive. Critics argue that the international justice system has failed to address the situation effectively, allowing the violence to continue unabated.

Personal testimonies from survivors further illustrate the human cost of the conflict. Yasmin Mahani recounted her harrowing experience of searching for her son, Saad, after an airstrike on a school. “We found nothing of Saad. Not even a body to bury. That was the hardest part,” she said. Similarly, Rafiq Badran lamented the loss of his four children, stating, “Four of my children just evaporated.”

The use of advanced weaponry in Gaza raises urgent questions about the legality and morality of military tactics employed in densely populated areas. As the international community grapples with the implications of these findings, calls for accountability and adherence to humanitarian law grow louder. The ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza demand immediate attention and action to prevent further tragedies.

Israel’s Use of Advanced Weapons in Gaza Raises Concerns Over Civilian Casualties