‘Asbestos’ released by Israel’s bombs will lead to cancer-related deaths for generations in Gaza: report

Israel’s relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip has introduced new and severe death risks for Palestinians. The cancer-causing mineral 'asbestos' from the bombs has spread throughout the enclave, exposing people to the deadly disease for decades.

Asbestos is “highly carcinogenic,” and the Israeli bombardment in Gaza has released it into the air, creating fine airborne particles. Inhalation of these particles can lead to cancer.

Experts believe that cancer cases could continue to rise in Gaza for decades.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, asbestos expert Roger Willey described the situation as a death sentence for Gazans.

The UN estimated that 800,000 tons of munitions waste in Gaza, resulting from Israeli strikes, is contaminated with asbestos.

According to Roger Willey, the asbestos released during the bombing of the World Trade Center in Washington on September 11 killed more people from its exposure than died in the attack itself.

It was reported that 4,343 survivors and first responders succumbed to illnesses linked to asbestos exposure following the attack.

Airborne concentrations of asbestos cause cancer in the lungs, abdomen, ovaries, and larynx, as well as asbestosis, which permanently damages the lungs.

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials due to its insulation and fireproof qualities; however, it was banned by several countries in the 1980s.

In 2011, Israel also halted the use of asbestos, but since October 7, it has been bombarding innocent Palestinians with this cancerous and harmful mineral, destroying the lives of survivors in refugee camps.

The UNEP identified the most hazardous form of asbestos (crocidolite) in Gaza’s refugee camps, as well as in destroyed buildings and sewage pipes, in 2009.

Willey stated that the only escape from asbestos exposure is to flee as far away from its source as possible but Palestinians in Gaza have been trapped in the enclave for decades.

They are enduring horrific forms of violence that have led to the spread of disease, starvation, and long-term detrimental effects from breathing in a highly contaminated atmosphere.