Again we see these hard hitting headlines pop in different sources of the media. We then read yes again another wonderful comment from Obama…The Nobel Peace Prize Recipient when we read the following in the Al Jazeera Blog :
US President Barack Obama has warned his Chinese counterpart that the United States would not be able to keep Israel from attacking Iranian nuclear installations for much longer. As the article admits, this was all part of the political game designed to coerce Beijing into signing on to Washington's latest sanctions package, and it failed; China has continued to distance itself from the anti-Iran position. The Chinese have even refused a Saudi-American initiative designed to end Chinese dependence on Iranian oil, which would allow China to agree to the sanctions, so why have "senior officials in Jerusalem" chosen to leak this to Haaretz at this time?
There is a saying in the North of England for such a statement from this astute president who is continuously on a war footing with whoever he can get involved with…….”This is absolutely Cods Whollop Mr. President”…..you and I know that such an operation is extremely risky and is pushing the envelope on safety and endurance for the Israeli Jet Jockeys. They have three alternative routes to get to their destination – Northern Route – Central Route – Southern Route and in all cases they require assistance and permission from many countries that they wish to overfly and more importantly they need the permission of the President and the US Government to be able to pull this off. Do not be brainwashed by this political spin coming out of the US and Israel because it’s not that simple.
Lets look at the options available to the IAF and also the implications. The Northern Route is the longest route and involves passing up the Eastern part of the Mediterranean into Turkish airspace (which is part of NATO).Turkey is also an Islamic country and may prefer not to become involved in this potential conflict. It would be economic suicide to accept such an arrangement whilst at the same time would put them in conflict with their Islamic Brothers. The other issue here is that the aircraft would either have to tech stop for fuel in Turkey or accept in flight refueling from the US, Turkey or another NATO partner, whilst in Turkish airspace. The aircraft would also need to enter Iraqi Airspace (Kurdistan) which is ally to the US and could refuel their but again there could be some political spin off from the Arab League.
The Central Route would take the aircraft close to the border with Syria and have to enter Jordanian Airspace and again over Iraq to target location and the Southern Route would take the aircraft down to the Gulf of Aqaba, into Saudi Arabia and again via Iraq Airspace. The Central Route is the most direct. The Northern Route is of the greatest risk as it channels the aircraft via a much narrow corridor prior to entry into Iranian Airspace and makes them a much easier target. The Southern Route like the Northern Route requires pushing the aircraft to the envelope with maximum weapons payload. Either way one can say with certainty the US has to be involved in the logistical sense and also in providing Spy Satellite Data and Airborne Command Centre etc.
Finally there is the insanity of such a threat from Israel and or the US in the catastrophic contamination plume that will result from such an attack. On top of this you have the reprisal attack by the Iranian Military and potential missiles hitting major centres in Israel. The radioactive aerosol plume will engulf the Middle East within a very short time frame and travel around the worlds within 7 – 14days with horrific consequences.
It is now New Years Eve and one can only hope that 2010 stops this mad Nobel Peace Prize President from making continuous threats and starts focusing on the poverty within the US and the many issues that have been created by the well planned economic collapse by the International Bankers, Wall Street, The City of London, Bilderberg Group, Trilareral Commission, Council for Foreign Relations, Chatham House, Rockefeller, Brzizinski, Kissenger, Cheney and so many more. We must also thank all the Friends of Israel Organizations who feed the political elite with their campaign funds in order to manipulate respective governments and finally we have the Christian and Jewish Zionist that cause so much pain for the people of Palestine.
To those that have caused so much pain, suffering and poverty I say your day will come and hopefully 2010 will be the start of a turn around in world politics and foreign policies…..maybe that’s wishful thinking but miracles can and do happen.
To those that just want peace and the basics in life I wish you all a Very Happy New Year for 2010. May your pain and suffering cease, may your level of poverty disappear and may you all reclaim your respective countries from the tentacles of the evil organizations.
Happy New Year and Bless you all.
Peter Eyre – Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
Thursday, 31 December 2009
American Charity Using Recycled Material From The War In Gaza
Open email to the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA)
For the attention of the President - Vice President - CFO - Staff - Donors.
I have followed with interest the good work of ANERA in the Middle East and always believed in its main theme "Improving Lives in the Middle East"
However, I was extremely shocked to note one of your latest projects in Gaza which came under the following headline: "Preschool Rehabilitation" - "ANERA is renovating preschools throughout Gaza using materials recycled from war destruction." - "ANERA has embarked on a five-month project to renovate 18 preschools in Gaza."
The promotion of this project reads as follows:
From kindergarten to post-graduate studies, ANERA is opening doors for people in the Middle East to access opportunities for learning in a clean, safe and stimulating environment. ANERA is building new schools, adding extensions to existing structures, upgrading water and sanitation systems, and making a host of other improvements.
I do not know if the ANERA Board of Directors are aware of the terrible consequences and usage by US, UK, NATO and IDF forces of weapons containing uranium components. If one looks at the tragedy and aftermath of past and current areas of conflict we can see the same trend emerging. It started in the Balkans - Kuwait - Iraq - Afghanistan - Lebanon - Gaza and now Pakistan. It is also with confidence we could see this same pattern emerging in Somalia and now North Yemen.
For those who are not so well informed on the issue of Depleted or Enriched uranium one can read my articles on the following links http://www.paltelegraph.com/columnists or carry out a name search under my name for all articles that have been archived or alternatively visit my blog http://petereyrepatch.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html
It is extremely hard for me to write a letter to such a well established International Non Government Organisation (INGO) but when I add your work programme for Gaza to the existing UN programme it paints a picture of pure insanity.
This year the UN War Crimes investigation team, headed by Goldstone, carried out their investigation into alleged war crimes. The report fell short of revealing the more serious aspects in regard to the weapons used. Those that were mentioned were worded in such a way as to indicate that although it was not a crime the team had serious concerns as to there usage i.e. White Phosphorus. The report almost totally swept under the carpet the use of Flachette Weapons, DIME bombs and more importantly the use of weapons containing uranium components. It was obvious that Gaza had been used as a major testing ground for the most evil weapons. All these weapons constituted as being illegal under the Geneva Convention and their application in a densely populated Gaza Strip.
Since this conflict the UN have embarked on a one year project (estimated) to remove all the rumble from bombed or damaged locations, transport it to a central location, pulverise it, re truck it around the strip to resurface roads and streets. This is in total violation of their own code of practice as per UN Staff Guidelines in dealing with potentially radioactive materials.
The Goldstone report brushed aside the fact that the use of these weapons had been reported but did not form part of this investigation. My question has always been "Why Not"?
It is therefore my deep concern that such a well respected INGO as ANERA would embark on a practice of recycling such contaminated waste. Secondary contamination will now be a major problem in Gaza and any other downwind location i.e. Israel, West Bank, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria the entire Middle East and beyond. The very movement of such material and the resultant dust bowl/aerosols will continue to contaminate.
It is normal UN policy that where there exists a possibility of radioactive contamination then they have to isolate, seal and contain the suspect location (which included fencing off from public access) and commence a formal clean up operation. As one would expect this was not done in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and now obviously in Gaza.
The very thought of recycling this dangerous waste product into Pre Schools, Schools or anywhere brings shivers to my spine. The young of Gaza are already in a very funerable situation as they play around the bombed out building and collect items themselves. To bring the product to their schools is surely an extremely serious health risk.
If one collects data from the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and believe it or not Israel itself (the instigators) we can see the same trend in dramatic rises in many forms of cancers, diabetes, mental problems, infertility, still births or badly deformed babies etc. This is now clearly showing up in Gaza.
I urge you to reconsider this project or if it has already commenced to cease forthwith in the name and respect of the people of Gaza and your own staff.
It appears so ironic that the Israeli will not allow any new building material into Gaza and yet the UN promotes the recycling of contaminated building waste and the world looks on.
We must all be shameful of events in Gaza on this their week of remembrance (one year on). We all also have a duty of care to stop any further pain or suffering and this very act alone forms part of the ongoing suffering,
I beg you to again study the implications and stop this madness.
Kind Regards
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 29/12/2009
I have also attached my own submission to the UN War Crimes Team in Geneva for your information as per below:
Official submission to United Nations on Gaza crisis
THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2009 22:58 Added by PT Editor Pal Tel Admin
London, June 19, (Pal Telegraph) -
In the context of the above Resolution and pursuant to the term of the enquiry namely: International Independent Fact Finding Mission mandated "to investigate all violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 whether before during or after".
Submission: The United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict
The Secretariat of the Fact-Finding Mission
c/o OHCHR, G. Motta 48,
Geneva
Switzerland 10th June 2009
factfindinggaza@ohchr.org
Re; Submission pursuant to Resolution S-9/1 of the United Nations
Human Rights Council (HRC), adopted on 12 January 2009.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Please find below a summary of my research in regard to event leading up to the Israeli - Gaza Conflict 2008 - 2009, including events that took place after the withdrawal of the IDF that all fall within the parameters of your enquiry
In the context of the above Resolution and pursuant to the term of the enquiry namely: International Independent Fact Finding Mission mandated "to investigate all violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 whether before during or after".
The submission covers many aspects of the build up to the conflict which in my opinion constitutes breaches of both International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. It reveals many possible failings and weaknesses that occurred historically that were instrumental in the development of the conflict.
These possible failings and weaknesses involved the United Nations (UN), as the main overseer and The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The involvement of certain International Governments also played a major role in allowing the already strained relationship, between the parties involved in the conflict, to further deteriorate. This must therefore reflect on those governments, namely that of the United States, United Kingdom, Egypt and Israel including some of the countries that are signatory to NATO.
It is also evident that one of the main contributing factors in the build up to the conflict was the failings of those responsible for monitoring and implementing the guidelines of The Oslo Accord. One can clearly see that all the many issues that occurred on both sides relating to internal and external security may have been instrumental into one side or the other taking action.
In order for your team to truly evaluate what happened I think it would be beneficial to look into the possible root causes of the conflict and as to what is still keeping the fire burning. I sincerely hope that the information provided helps your team complete their task and in reaching a successful conclusion.
The historically backdrop in the build up to this conflict goes back before the final Israeli withdrawal in 2005. The pride of Gaza was its new international airport that had been funded by Japan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Germany with the design by Moroccan Architects. The airport opened in 1998 at a total cost off $86 million and gave the people of Gaza access to the outside world. However, the United States kept applying pressure on Israel to remove Israeli settlers from the strip and to eventually withdraw from Gaza. In 2001 the systematic destruction of this vital lifeline began followed by the final act of ripping up the runway and taxiways in 2002. The Israeli's reason for doing this was because they felt that they would not be able to control the flow of possible weapons into and out of Gaza which at the time was under the control of The Palestinian Authority.
This totally unacceptable act of aggression resulted in condemnation from the United Nations and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as other member countries. This act alone left the people of Gaza with a bitter taste. The final end to Israeli dwellers and the withdrawal of the IDF in 2005 supposedly signalled an end to the occupation.
I believe that in actual fact this was not the end of the occupation of Gaza but rather a new phase in its occupation and the start of an extensive blockade. When one looks at the time when the airport commenced operations it truly gave the people a ray of hope and gave them a certain level of freedom with borders open and trade taking place (with restrictions). However, we now see a total blockade and an indirect occupation of Gaza with many more restrictions and border closures.
Immediately prior to this pull out we saw the establishment of The Oslo Accord which was deeply flawed with Israel basically calling the shots. A fishing zone was declared which fell well short of normal international protocol. It created a marine buffer zone in both the North and South of the Gaza Marine Area and in doing so reduced both the breadth and width by a significant margin. This act alone was not in line with normal international borders and basically deprived the Palestinians of claiming it territorial waters, rights and EEZ that is so vital to their economy. The Israeli's insisted that as part of the deal that they would be responsible for all security aspects and that the offshore area would come under their control. This further extended into total control of land, sea and air.
This was the first major mistake made by the mediators and would have serious consequences down the track. During this same period of time British Gas had found some interesting large reserves of natural gas in the offshore Gaza Marine Area and those finds resulted in two wells being named Gaza Marine 1 and 2.
One can clearly see that this issue would also back fire and create total mistrust.
When you look at a nautical based chart for the region and the optional plans for the subsea pipelines it is very easy to see why many were concerns.
Let's just dwell on those two issues alone and focus in on the implications to the people of Gaza and Palestine. You know have a situation whereby the IDF do not accept the terms of the Oslo Accord and continue to kill, injure or intimidate the fishermen. The IDF warships patrol the strip on a regular basis, open fire and also sometimes ram these harmless vessels. The Israeli naval vessels also severely restrict the fishermen to sometimes 6 nm or down to 3nm whenever it suits them. As a result of these actions The Gazan fishing industry has collapsed and the fishing stocks in the permitted area have been depleted to a dangerously unacceptable level. This industry was so vital the people of Palestinians in terms of fish for protein intake and for its economy. Surely this constitutes a breach of International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law.
The second and most important issue is that of the huge reserves of natural gas in the Gaza Marine Area and their location in regard to international borders. One must also address the adjacent Israeli reserves that could in actual fact be jointly owned and if that is the case we could again see a violation of international law. The UN has already condemned Israel for exploiting Palestinian natural resources and this could prove to be an extension to that problem. Again we come back to the issue of possible violation of both International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law.
To put these two very important issues into perspective we have to visit Gaza and see the world's largest outdoor prison and all of the associated poverty and hardship that has been forced upon them. We can very quickly carry out an analysis and realize that in actual fact apart from the urgent requirement of Medical Aid and Humanitarian Supplies the people of Gaza and West Bank do not need financial aid as they have all the wealth in the world sitting offshore, which belongs to Gaza and the people of Palestine. In that regard there is certainly a case to answer via UNCLOS and the ICJ.
Finally we come to the actual crimes associated with the conflict just before, during and after the event. What is absurd is the fact that in June 2008 Israel was debating a plan to attack Gaza whilst at the same time they were in discussions for a 6 month ceasefire with Hamas. Prior to this there Ex Chief of the IDF had quoted that Hamas had to be removed from Gaza before the gas could flow. I can say with great authority there is certainly a link between the very lucrative offshore reserves and the attack on Gaza. Israel realized that there was a distinct possibility that the Gaza Gas from Marine 1 and 2 could well be directed to Egypt and then turned into LNG for onward export to UK, US or wherever. This prompted the involvement of the British PM Tony Blair to intervene in an attempt to get talks underway again. The initial contract with Egypt was therefore cancelled.
The Israeli desperately needed this gas deal and asked British Gas to again enter into urgent negotiations in order to strike a deal before such an attack was carried out. Had they gone in too early the Central Government (PA) would have gone against the Israeli's as a protest and the contract would never have been signed. Again Talks with British Gas fell though and Israel decided to go in and remove Hamas and had they been successful the gas deal would have been back on track. As we all know worldwide condemnation forced them to pull out.
Before detailing the violations within Gaza I would like to draw to the attention of the United Nations that Israel has ignored over 130 UN Resolutions with the total support of the United States. In addition to this the UN Permanent Observer Mission for Palestine has sent over 339 letters to the UN Secretary General complaining of serious illegal Israeli actions and other matters between 2005 and early 2009. We have also seen other violations of the Geneva Convention that is already well documented.
The five year interim agreement has failed from its onset and relationships have become strained after many serious incursions by the IDF. In December 2008 we witnessed the totally disproportionate attack on Gaza. Since the conflict the crossings have been severely restricted to a point of stagnation. They close without warning despite the urgency of Medical/Humanitarian Aid and stop those with urgent medical conditions from seeking treatment.
We have seen high levels of intimidation in the offshore Gaza area and we continue to see regular bombings by the IDF at selected targets, most of which have been in the tunnel area of Southern Gaza. It is obvious that since the agreement between the US - Egypt - Israel and the continued financial/military support, the Rafah crossing is totally controlled by the US and Israel. When we add up all the violations - UN Resolutions, Geneva Conventions, Oslo Accord and the terrible consequences of the attack on Gaza we can see that the Palestinians have really been dealt a card from the bottom of the pack.
As an ex military man serving in the Middle East and having spent much time in the region as a consultant I find the current situation totally unacceptable. When the IDF first moved into Gaza, I, like most veterans, watched with horror as we first observed the parachute illumination flares being fired. This immediately was followed by White Phosphorus time and time again all of which were over highly populated areas which as we all know this is in violation of the Geneva Convention.
The use of White Phosphorus on densely populated areas is in violation of the Geneva Convention: Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III). Certain use of incendiary weapons, in particular the use of air delivered incendiary weapons against targets situated amongst concentrations of civilians (Protocol III to the Conventional Weapons Convention). WP was and has been used extensively
When WP rains down on areas of population it is impossible to avoid the fallout. Sometimes they explode very close to the ground or at acute angles & the concentration of WP are intense and in this case the casualty level can be extremely high. When WP is released into the atmosphere it is vital that persons are not out in the street & families remain inside with windows & doors closed. Phosphorus can badly damage the lungs of babies and children. WP continues to burn for some time as long as it has oxygen. When it comes in contact with the skin it can burn right through to the bone and in such heavy concentrations will cause death by burning beyond recognition. Evidence of such injuries and deaths are available at the hospital and by the ambulance crews attending the scene.
Depleted Uranium (DU) weaponry was and are still being used in the Gaza Strip which again is in violation of the Geneva Convention. The use of weaponry containing Depleted Uranium (DU) with indiscriminate effect or of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering is in violation of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. Countries using such weaponry have an obligation to ascertain that new weapons do not violate the laws and customs of war or any other international law. The International Court of Justice considers this rule a binding customary humanitarian law. These US manufactured weapons are currently in us by the US, UK and other NATO forces as well as the IDF. They have been used in the Balkans, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza and now possible Pakistan.
Chemical toxicity of DU is about a million times greater than its radiological hazard. Health effects of DU are determined by factors such as the extent of exposure & whether it was internal, external inhalation, Ingestion & Shrapnel. Causes Congenital Disorders, Immune System Damage, Increased Risk of Birth Defects & Brain Damage
There are also serious long-term effects of DU such as malignant cancers, ludicrously high leukaemia rates, heart problems, 4 x increases in cancer among children. DU dust can also contaminate agricultural areas & water supply.
In 2003 DU was used in the Iraq "Shock and Awe" campaign. Around 350 sites were contaminated resulting in around 140,000 cancer cases. It is estimated that this increased to between 7-8,000 new cases per annum. This would indicate that the future for Gaza is not good unless the UN investigate, locate, isolate and force the removal of such contamination without delay. I would also add that these potential highly contaminated sites are currently used by locals, especially children, to forage around for recyclable items. The danger to children in particular is extremely high as there organs and immune system are not yet fully developed.
A strong case may also exist in the use of DIME weaponry in the Gaza Strip based on the type of injuries observed and should form part of the investigation. Indications reveal the use of DIME weapons were experimentally carried out on Gaza.
These weapons consist of a Carbon Fibre case filled with mixture of explosive and a very dense powder of a Heavy Metal Tungsten Alloy (HMTA) composed of tungsten & other metals such as cobalt, nickel or iron. The casing disintegrates into extremely small particles, as opposed to shrapnel. Survivors close to the lethal zone may have their limbs amputated (as the micro shrapnel can slice through soft tissue and bone) and may subsequently contract cancer from the HMTA micro-shrapnel embedded in their body tissue. The carcinogenic effects of HMTA have been studied by the U.S. Armed Forces since at least 2000, along with DU and these alloys were found to cause a transformation in the victim's cells. I would also add that any surgeon, when operating on such victims, will only remove fragments that are safe to do so and many other fragments remain inside the body to carry out there own lethal progression.
Other terrible war crimes have been committed by the IDF whilst inside the Gaza Strip. Much of this activity is well documented and the team will gain knowledge of such violation by carrying out local interviews The ironic aspect of these crimes is the fact that it constitutes a violation of the IDF own Code of Conduct which clearly show the parameters in which they have to operate. Conclusive evidence exists locally on this aspect and I have details those rulings as per below:
Code of Conduct against militants and Palestinian civilians:
Military action can only be taken against military targets.
The use of force must be proportional.
Soldiers may only use weaponry that was issued by the IDF.
Anyone who surrenders cannot be attacked.
Only those who are properly trained can interrogate prisoners.
Soldiers must accord dignity and respect to the Palestinian population and those arrested.
Soldiers must give appropriate medical care, when conditions allow, to oneself and one's enemy.
Pillaging is absolutely and totally illegal.
Soldiers must show proper respect for religious and cultural sites and artefacts.
Soldiers must protect international aid workers, including their property and vehicles.
Soldiers must report all violations of this code.
We now come to the issue of "Who sold such weapons to Israel"?
It is evident that these weapons are illegal in the context by which they have or are being used. It is also believed that the sale of such weapons could constitute a violation of the US Department of Defense own rulings on the export and usage of these weapons that are manufactured primarily in the US. A member of Congress has already raised this issue with the US Secretary of State. It must also be noted that all weapons are passed through Congress for approval with the final signatory being the President. The sale of all the arms to Israel is well documented and normally one can see much activity just prior to conflict which was the case in Israel when 1,000 Smart Bombs were exported just prior to the attack.
Finally as evidence, I add reference to the following list of some of the more recent letters sent to the UN Secretary General from the Permanent Representative for the UN in Palestine. These original letters are held at the United Nations for your perusal and I presume form part of any enquiry if relevant to the location:
2008
June 3, 18 and 25 - July 25 - August 1 - September Nil - October 20th - November 5, 17 - December 27, 29 and 30
2009
January 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, and 14 - February 2, 18 and 25 - March 6 and 25
April 8, 16 and 30 - May 22
On the question of Depleted Uranium we have seen flaws in the research and testing techniques especially on the effects of low level radiation as opposed to high dosage rates. The Balkans revealed many such flaws which did not bring the result most people were hoping for. It is fact that in forensic science one can now prosecute a person for carrying out the murder of another person, even when the victim has never been found. This is done by DNA evidence of both the victim and the offender and also other on site sampling and laboratory tests.
In the Balkans forensic evident was found in the use of DU but the outcome was not conclusive in that the Military denied its use. Why such evidence did not bring the expected result was indeed a major flaw in that enquiry. DU Penetrators were found and other DU weapons fragments with clear traces of yellow on the casings along with the appropriate radiation readings.
We saw the same happen during the Lebanon 2006 conflict when again Israel was accused of using DU weapons. Further independent laboratory tests on samples taken from craters revealed the presence of enriched uranium and much more. Additional tests further revealed the possible use of 4th Generation Weapons. All the appropriate readings were very well documented and are still retained. Again good evidence was recovered but the result was again flawed and the IDF denied it usage.
Kuwait and Iraq was the first time that DU truly came out into the open and all evidence was confirmed by the experts and the various armed forces. As a result of an unfortunate accident at a US depot in Kuwait, contamination from the DU spread in the area. This was conclusive evidence that the US and other NATO forces were using DU weaponry. The Kuwaiti Government then ordered the US to clean up the site and remove the contamination. This is normal policy and in this case the US had to remove around 7,500 kg of contaminated soil/sand and ship it back to the US for disposal. If one can relate to any such bomb site in Gaza then we can see the same problem on a much smaller scale.
Local independent sampling from Gaza has already taken place and currently under laboratory testing in both the UK and Sweden. The initial findings show some very interesting aspects with an apparent firm link to Depleted Uranium. Further sampling is required from the Rafah border & tunnel area of Southern Gaza to conclude this private investigation.
Gaza is an extremely small enclave with a dense population. The world was truly shocked at the disproportionate attack by the IDF and the high rate of injuries and deaths, especially in women and children. One cannot imagine the on going casualties that may follow as a result of the many weapons used on Gaza, some of which appeared to be experimental. It is hoped that this independent research will reveal shocking evidence with good clear results.
DU as we know becomes an aerosol with a potentially lethal outcome. The DU Dust/Contamination can travel very long distances both in the adjacent area, region and further afield. It is possible that this contamination has since passed over the border to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. During the attack on Lebanon in 2006 the DU contamination moved into Northern Israel within one hour. As a result of this contamination we may well see a dramatic rise in cancer related illnesses both in Palestine and the region. This, as we know may also cause still births and badly disfigured babies and reflects on the importance of keeping very accurate health records in Gaza and West Bank. It would also be advisable for adjacent countries to also carry out their own analysis.
To summarise we now have an opportunity to investigate in great detail the past failings of the many authorities involved in all past and current DU investigation. We can now carry out an assortment of different up to date tests on both victims and in the laboratory. These tests should take into account that methods used in the past, such as the ICRP Biokenetic Model, is not suitable for low level radiation. We must also focus on the uniqueness of Alpha particles once inhaled or ingested into the human body. Its capacity to start the cancer cycle, alter the genetics, cell structure and DNA and more importantly the passing on to the unborn child and indeed their siblings.
I am sure that if the UN team were given more time they would find much more convincing evidence in and around Gaza. It is extremely sad to learn that your team has been given time constraints for such an important issue. As you know the situation in this region is extremely sensitive and one could only assume that if a stone remains unturned it will add more fuel to the existing problems.
We have all seen the incapacity of many organisations in attempting to avoid the onset of the attack on Gaza. The writing was on the wall some six months prior to the conflict when debates were taking place and weapons orders were being processed from the United States via Congress. We saw the shameful way the world's governments observed the onslaught but did little about it. We saw their own brothers turn their backs in their hour of need. Finally we saw the disgraceful workings of the United Nations and the Security Council, when despite a majority vote against Israel they lacked the ability to stop the conflict in its early stages. What we did see was the tremendous turnout around the world of the masses. We observed that people power can change events in this world and force governments to take notice or succumb to their demands.
Finally we have now seen the UN carry out their own investigation in relation to the attacks on UN facilities in such a slow painful way. We have seen the results of those enquires which proved conclusively that Israel were guilty on almost all counts. What we did not see was that despite the evidence no attempted action has been taken via the International Court of Justice in bringing those responsible to trial. What we did see was the UN accusing them of those crimes and demand compensation for the damage caused.
One could ask the question why was this not taken further and why did this very quick investigation only deal with UN breaches. It was obvious that those same incidents had been duplicated on the people of Gaza both in the indiscriminate attacks on it citizens and on their property.
This investigation in the true sense is relatively easy compared to such places as the Balkans. All the alleged violations were carried out in a very small enclave and all the evidence is concentrated in such a small area. I feel that the United Nations has a real opportunity here to show it true strength and credibility in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.
We already have sufficient support from many member states to ban DU weapons production and use. We see a very strong anti DU campaign talking place in Europe even to a point that some of those countries are now funding research into the DU problem. What we do not see is the same support coming from the United States and other NATO countries that are currently using such weapons. One can clearly see that war can be a very lucrative business despite the barbaric indiscriminate use of such weapons.
The US has re classified an array of such weapons as being conventional when in actual fact they have strong ties with nuclear weapons. One could even see a possible connection in DU Weaponry being added to the list of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD based on evidence that DU particles have been transmitted over the far reaches of the globe.
We all know the tremendous pressures being applied to world government on the issues of Global Warming and that we all have to look at our own carbon footprint and may have to pay the price. However, we do not see those same nations showing concern at the contamination of the upper atmosphere as a result of the use of DU.
We can draw down on evidence in this particular case when we relate to the High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS) filter systems deployed by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) situation in Aldermaston, Berkshire UK. The monitoring of Uranium in the atmosphere has been carried out since the early 1990's with more intense studies being carried since this time. After the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Iraq and the same activity in Afghanistan, the UK was subjected to extremely high levels of uranium causing alarm to the authorities. This is also very well documented and is not contained in my submission.
One does not have to be into rocket science to understand that this is a grave threat to the whole of mankind resulting in harm to possible many thousands if not millions of people. In this context I believe that the UN is in a very unique position whilst carrying out its investigations in Gaza to finally, not only prove that DU was used, but also to instigate action to stop the manufacturing of such weapons and to remove such weapons from military stock piles. It is also important for the UN to force Israel to reveal its own nuclear activity in such areas.
Finally we come to what can be done to ensure peace be returned to this region.
I believe that the UN should send in their own peacekeeping troops (Blue Helmets not combat troops from NATO) to take up positions on all borders (both sides) and once in place lift the entire blockade of land, sea and air. One could then create a corridor between Gaza and West Bank to unite the two enclaves and at the same time create trade. From the Israeli perspective they could build an elevated highway to take traffic over the Palestinian strip in order for them to gain access between Central/Northern Israel and Southern Israel.
On the issue of re construction one would have to be extremely careful with the assumed presence of DU contamination. As we have already pointed out such sites have to be isolated/fenced/contained and finally de contaminated by the removal of the subsoil's and debris etc. One would have to take the weather conditions into account when carrying out this activity based on prevailing winds and carefully make sure that resident were well clear during the operation.
Under normal protocol in the Nuclear Industry, any waste generated as a by product of the industry has to be safely stored. In the case of contamination it becomes the responsibility of the instigators to remove all traces of such contamination and return it to its place of origin. It would be Israel in this case with the involvement of the United States who exports DU weaponry to Israel knowing its final usage. It is obvious to say that with the size of Israel one could not stockpile such waste unless a suitable location was found in the Negev Desert and certainly not in or near Gaza or West Bank.
Finally when the clean up has been completed a reconstruction programme can commence especially in the building of a sea/container port and urgent re construction of the badly damaged international airport. During this period urgent action must be taken via UNCLOS and the ICJ to clarify/re define the true international borders between Egypt and Gaza, Gaza and Israel, West Bank and Israel, West Bank and Jordan. The establishment of legal offshore limits and the creation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
On the question of all offshore oil/gas reserves both within Gaza and Israeli waters. The UNCLOS and ICJ must clarify who legally own what. In the case where a reserve is jointly owned make sure that immediate activity is halted until the results on the enquiry is known.
With all this underway the Palestinians can then be allowed (in conjunction with British Gas) to re negotiate the Joint Venture Agreement (JV) with all parties involved, including Hamas. It must be noted that these reserves belong to the country that own the coastline and that the share ratio should reflect a fair agreement which is not the current case.
It would be my recommendation for the oil/gas to then be piped directly to Gaza which would entail the construction of a large domestic gas plant and an adjacent Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant to process surplus gas for export. This will not only bring high technology to Gaza and the Palestinians but will also create many jobs. Several power stations would have to be built or modified with industrial gas turbine engines and then the natural gas can be piped to those facilities to run Palestine's energy requirements.
The spin off from the above will allow industry, public transport, commercial transport and domestic housing to all run on gas and the lucrative export of surplus gas. Any dealings with Israel would be entirely under the control of the Palestinians in conjunction with British Gas.
The future prosperity of both Gaza and West Bank (Palestine) looks extremely bright and I can say with great confidence that Gaza in particular can become the Mini Dubai of the Eastern Mediterranean. The international community must identify the terrible conditions and way of life that has been inflicted on the people of Palestine and remove this terrible blockade without delay. Palestine must be given its rightful sovereign statehood by the United Nations as a matter of priority and the UN investigation team should bring a successful conclusion to this investigation.
I have intentionally left out all the many references to the violation carried out in both Gaza and West Bank as I know that all of this is very well documented in the archives of the United Nations. As a footnote to this submission it is my intention to place this in the public domain once you have received it.
I look forward to your preliminary response.
Yours Sincerely
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant
This submission was formerly received on Wednesday, 24 June, 2009 1:15 PM after repeated requests to acknowledge it receipt:
From "Fact Finding Gaza OHCHR" factfindinggaza@ohchr.org
To Peter Eyre ...The UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict has received your Submission of 10 June 2009 and thanks you for the contribution to its work. The Submission has been made available to officers of the Mission.....FFM Gaza
This submission was not included in the Goldberg Report and all references to uranium based weapons was swept under the carpter as were other weapons such as Flachette and DIME. The Israel have truly got away with the more serious war crimes and yet still refuse to accept it contents. Truly a sad day for justice.
For the attention of the President - Vice President - CFO - Staff - Donors.
I have followed with interest the good work of ANERA in the Middle East and always believed in its main theme "Improving Lives in the Middle East"
However, I was extremely shocked to note one of your latest projects in Gaza which came under the following headline: "Preschool Rehabilitation" - "ANERA is renovating preschools throughout Gaza using materials recycled from war destruction." - "ANERA has embarked on a five-month project to renovate 18 preschools in Gaza."
The promotion of this project reads as follows:
From kindergarten to post-graduate studies, ANERA is opening doors for people in the Middle East to access opportunities for learning in a clean, safe and stimulating environment. ANERA is building new schools, adding extensions to existing structures, upgrading water and sanitation systems, and making a host of other improvements.
I do not know if the ANERA Board of Directors are aware of the terrible consequences and usage by US, UK, NATO and IDF forces of weapons containing uranium components. If one looks at the tragedy and aftermath of past and current areas of conflict we can see the same trend emerging. It started in the Balkans - Kuwait - Iraq - Afghanistan - Lebanon - Gaza and now Pakistan. It is also with confidence we could see this same pattern emerging in Somalia and now North Yemen.
For those who are not so well informed on the issue of Depleted or Enriched uranium one can read my articles on the following links http://www.paltelegraph.com/columnists or carry out a name search under my name for all articles that have been archived or alternatively visit my blog http://petereyrepatch.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html
It is extremely hard for me to write a letter to such a well established International Non Government Organisation (INGO) but when I add your work programme for Gaza to the existing UN programme it paints a picture of pure insanity.
This year the UN War Crimes investigation team, headed by Goldstone, carried out their investigation into alleged war crimes. The report fell short of revealing the more serious aspects in regard to the weapons used. Those that were mentioned were worded in such a way as to indicate that although it was not a crime the team had serious concerns as to there usage i.e. White Phosphorus. The report almost totally swept under the carpet the use of Flachette Weapons, DIME bombs and more importantly the use of weapons containing uranium components. It was obvious that Gaza had been used as a major testing ground for the most evil weapons. All these weapons constituted as being illegal under the Geneva Convention and their application in a densely populated Gaza Strip.
Since this conflict the UN have embarked on a one year project (estimated) to remove all the rumble from bombed or damaged locations, transport it to a central location, pulverise it, re truck it around the strip to resurface roads and streets. This is in total violation of their own code of practice as per UN Staff Guidelines in dealing with potentially radioactive materials.
The Goldstone report brushed aside the fact that the use of these weapons had been reported but did not form part of this investigation. My question has always been "Why Not"?
It is therefore my deep concern that such a well respected INGO as ANERA would embark on a practice of recycling such contaminated waste. Secondary contamination will now be a major problem in Gaza and any other downwind location i.e. Israel, West Bank, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria the entire Middle East and beyond. The very movement of such material and the resultant dust bowl/aerosols will continue to contaminate.
It is normal UN policy that where there exists a possibility of radioactive contamination then they have to isolate, seal and contain the suspect location (which included fencing off from public access) and commence a formal clean up operation. As one would expect this was not done in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and now obviously in Gaza.
The very thought of recycling this dangerous waste product into Pre Schools, Schools or anywhere brings shivers to my spine. The young of Gaza are already in a very funerable situation as they play around the bombed out building and collect items themselves. To bring the product to their schools is surely an extremely serious health risk.
If one collects data from the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and believe it or not Israel itself (the instigators) we can see the same trend in dramatic rises in many forms of cancers, diabetes, mental problems, infertility, still births or badly deformed babies etc. This is now clearly showing up in Gaza.
I urge you to reconsider this project or if it has already commenced to cease forthwith in the name and respect of the people of Gaza and your own staff.
It appears so ironic that the Israeli will not allow any new building material into Gaza and yet the UN promotes the recycling of contaminated building waste and the world looks on.
We must all be shameful of events in Gaza on this their week of remembrance (one year on). We all also have a duty of care to stop any further pain or suffering and this very act alone forms part of the ongoing suffering,
I beg you to again study the implications and stop this madness.
Kind Regards
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 29/12/2009
I have also attached my own submission to the UN War Crimes Team in Geneva for your information as per below:
Official submission to United Nations on Gaza crisis
THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2009 22:58 Added by PT Editor Pal Tel Admin
London, June 19, (Pal Telegraph) -
In the context of the above Resolution and pursuant to the term of the enquiry namely: International Independent Fact Finding Mission mandated "to investigate all violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 whether before during or after".
Submission: The United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict
The Secretariat of the Fact-Finding Mission
c/o OHCHR, G. Motta 48,
Geneva
Switzerland 10th June 2009
factfindinggaza@ohchr.org
Re; Submission pursuant to Resolution S-9/1 of the United Nations
Human Rights Council (HRC), adopted on 12 January 2009.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Please find below a summary of my research in regard to event leading up to the Israeli - Gaza Conflict 2008 - 2009, including events that took place after the withdrawal of the IDF that all fall within the parameters of your enquiry
In the context of the above Resolution and pursuant to the term of the enquiry namely: International Independent Fact Finding Mission mandated "to investigate all violations of International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law that might have been committed at any time in the context of the military operations that were conducted in Gaza during the period from 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009 whether before during or after".
The submission covers many aspects of the build up to the conflict which in my opinion constitutes breaches of both International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law. It reveals many possible failings and weaknesses that occurred historically that were instrumental in the development of the conflict.
These possible failings and weaknesses involved the United Nations (UN), as the main overseer and The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The involvement of certain International Governments also played a major role in allowing the already strained relationship, between the parties involved in the conflict, to further deteriorate. This must therefore reflect on those governments, namely that of the United States, United Kingdom, Egypt and Israel including some of the countries that are signatory to NATO.
It is also evident that one of the main contributing factors in the build up to the conflict was the failings of those responsible for monitoring and implementing the guidelines of The Oslo Accord. One can clearly see that all the many issues that occurred on both sides relating to internal and external security may have been instrumental into one side or the other taking action.
In order for your team to truly evaluate what happened I think it would be beneficial to look into the possible root causes of the conflict and as to what is still keeping the fire burning. I sincerely hope that the information provided helps your team complete their task and in reaching a successful conclusion.
The historically backdrop in the build up to this conflict goes back before the final Israeli withdrawal in 2005. The pride of Gaza was its new international airport that had been funded by Japan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Germany with the design by Moroccan Architects. The airport opened in 1998 at a total cost off $86 million and gave the people of Gaza access to the outside world. However, the United States kept applying pressure on Israel to remove Israeli settlers from the strip and to eventually withdraw from Gaza. In 2001 the systematic destruction of this vital lifeline began followed by the final act of ripping up the runway and taxiways in 2002. The Israeli's reason for doing this was because they felt that they would not be able to control the flow of possible weapons into and out of Gaza which at the time was under the control of The Palestinian Authority.
This totally unacceptable act of aggression resulted in condemnation from the United Nations and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as well as other member countries. This act alone left the people of Gaza with a bitter taste. The final end to Israeli dwellers and the withdrawal of the IDF in 2005 supposedly signalled an end to the occupation.
I believe that in actual fact this was not the end of the occupation of Gaza but rather a new phase in its occupation and the start of an extensive blockade. When one looks at the time when the airport commenced operations it truly gave the people a ray of hope and gave them a certain level of freedom with borders open and trade taking place (with restrictions). However, we now see a total blockade and an indirect occupation of Gaza with many more restrictions and border closures.
Immediately prior to this pull out we saw the establishment of The Oslo Accord which was deeply flawed with Israel basically calling the shots. A fishing zone was declared which fell well short of normal international protocol. It created a marine buffer zone in both the North and South of the Gaza Marine Area and in doing so reduced both the breadth and width by a significant margin. This act alone was not in line with normal international borders and basically deprived the Palestinians of claiming it territorial waters, rights and EEZ that is so vital to their economy. The Israeli's insisted that as part of the deal that they would be responsible for all security aspects and that the offshore area would come under their control. This further extended into total control of land, sea and air.
This was the first major mistake made by the mediators and would have serious consequences down the track. During this same period of time British Gas had found some interesting large reserves of natural gas in the offshore Gaza Marine Area and those finds resulted in two wells being named Gaza Marine 1 and 2.
One can clearly see that this issue would also back fire and create total mistrust.
When you look at a nautical based chart for the region and the optional plans for the subsea pipelines it is very easy to see why many were concerns.
Let's just dwell on those two issues alone and focus in on the implications to the people of Gaza and Palestine. You know have a situation whereby the IDF do not accept the terms of the Oslo Accord and continue to kill, injure or intimidate the fishermen. The IDF warships patrol the strip on a regular basis, open fire and also sometimes ram these harmless vessels. The Israeli naval vessels also severely restrict the fishermen to sometimes 6 nm or down to 3nm whenever it suits them. As a result of these actions The Gazan fishing industry has collapsed and the fishing stocks in the permitted area have been depleted to a dangerously unacceptable level. This industry was so vital the people of Palestinians in terms of fish for protein intake and for its economy. Surely this constitutes a breach of International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law.
The second and most important issue is that of the huge reserves of natural gas in the Gaza Marine Area and their location in regard to international borders. One must also address the adjacent Israeli reserves that could in actual fact be jointly owned and if that is the case we could again see a violation of international law. The UN has already condemned Israel for exploiting Palestinian natural resources and this could prove to be an extension to that problem. Again we come back to the issue of possible violation of both International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law.
To put these two very important issues into perspective we have to visit Gaza and see the world's largest outdoor prison and all of the associated poverty and hardship that has been forced upon them. We can very quickly carry out an analysis and realize that in actual fact apart from the urgent requirement of Medical Aid and Humanitarian Supplies the people of Gaza and West Bank do not need financial aid as they have all the wealth in the world sitting offshore, which belongs to Gaza and the people of Palestine. In that regard there is certainly a case to answer via UNCLOS and the ICJ.
Finally we come to the actual crimes associated with the conflict just before, during and after the event. What is absurd is the fact that in June 2008 Israel was debating a plan to attack Gaza whilst at the same time they were in discussions for a 6 month ceasefire with Hamas. Prior to this there Ex Chief of the IDF had quoted that Hamas had to be removed from Gaza before the gas could flow. I can say with great authority there is certainly a link between the very lucrative offshore reserves and the attack on Gaza. Israel realized that there was a distinct possibility that the Gaza Gas from Marine 1 and 2 could well be directed to Egypt and then turned into LNG for onward export to UK, US or wherever. This prompted the involvement of the British PM Tony Blair to intervene in an attempt to get talks underway again. The initial contract with Egypt was therefore cancelled.
The Israeli desperately needed this gas deal and asked British Gas to again enter into urgent negotiations in order to strike a deal before such an attack was carried out. Had they gone in too early the Central Government (PA) would have gone against the Israeli's as a protest and the contract would never have been signed. Again Talks with British Gas fell though and Israel decided to go in and remove Hamas and had they been successful the gas deal would have been back on track. As we all know worldwide condemnation forced them to pull out.
Before detailing the violations within Gaza I would like to draw to the attention of the United Nations that Israel has ignored over 130 UN Resolutions with the total support of the United States. In addition to this the UN Permanent Observer Mission for Palestine has sent over 339 letters to the UN Secretary General complaining of serious illegal Israeli actions and other matters between 2005 and early 2009. We have also seen other violations of the Geneva Convention that is already well documented.
The five year interim agreement has failed from its onset and relationships have become strained after many serious incursions by the IDF. In December 2008 we witnessed the totally disproportionate attack on Gaza. Since the conflict the crossings have been severely restricted to a point of stagnation. They close without warning despite the urgency of Medical/Humanitarian Aid and stop those with urgent medical conditions from seeking treatment.
We have seen high levels of intimidation in the offshore Gaza area and we continue to see regular bombings by the IDF at selected targets, most of which have been in the tunnel area of Southern Gaza. It is obvious that since the agreement between the US - Egypt - Israel and the continued financial/military support, the Rafah crossing is totally controlled by the US and Israel. When we add up all the violations - UN Resolutions, Geneva Conventions, Oslo Accord and the terrible consequences of the attack on Gaza we can see that the Palestinians have really been dealt a card from the bottom of the pack.
As an ex military man serving in the Middle East and having spent much time in the region as a consultant I find the current situation totally unacceptable. When the IDF first moved into Gaza, I, like most veterans, watched with horror as we first observed the parachute illumination flares being fired. This immediately was followed by White Phosphorus time and time again all of which were over highly populated areas which as we all know this is in violation of the Geneva Convention.
The use of White Phosphorus on densely populated areas is in violation of the Geneva Convention: Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III). Certain use of incendiary weapons, in particular the use of air delivered incendiary weapons against targets situated amongst concentrations of civilians (Protocol III to the Conventional Weapons Convention). WP was and has been used extensively
When WP rains down on areas of population it is impossible to avoid the fallout. Sometimes they explode very close to the ground or at acute angles & the concentration of WP are intense and in this case the casualty level can be extremely high. When WP is released into the atmosphere it is vital that persons are not out in the street & families remain inside with windows & doors closed. Phosphorus can badly damage the lungs of babies and children. WP continues to burn for some time as long as it has oxygen. When it comes in contact with the skin it can burn right through to the bone and in such heavy concentrations will cause death by burning beyond recognition. Evidence of such injuries and deaths are available at the hospital and by the ambulance crews attending the scene.
Depleted Uranium (DU) weaponry was and are still being used in the Gaza Strip which again is in violation of the Geneva Convention. The use of weaponry containing Depleted Uranium (DU) with indiscriminate effect or of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering is in violation of Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. Countries using such weaponry have an obligation to ascertain that new weapons do not violate the laws and customs of war or any other international law. The International Court of Justice considers this rule a binding customary humanitarian law. These US manufactured weapons are currently in us by the US, UK and other NATO forces as well as the IDF. They have been used in the Balkans, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza and now possible Pakistan.
Chemical toxicity of DU is about a million times greater than its radiological hazard. Health effects of DU are determined by factors such as the extent of exposure & whether it was internal, external inhalation, Ingestion & Shrapnel. Causes Congenital Disorders, Immune System Damage, Increased Risk of Birth Defects & Brain Damage
There are also serious long-term effects of DU such as malignant cancers, ludicrously high leukaemia rates, heart problems, 4 x increases in cancer among children. DU dust can also contaminate agricultural areas & water supply.
In 2003 DU was used in the Iraq "Shock and Awe" campaign. Around 350 sites were contaminated resulting in around 140,000 cancer cases. It is estimated that this increased to between 7-8,000 new cases per annum. This would indicate that the future for Gaza is not good unless the UN investigate, locate, isolate and force the removal of such contamination without delay. I would also add that these potential highly contaminated sites are currently used by locals, especially children, to forage around for recyclable items. The danger to children in particular is extremely high as there organs and immune system are not yet fully developed.
A strong case may also exist in the use of DIME weaponry in the Gaza Strip based on the type of injuries observed and should form part of the investigation. Indications reveal the use of DIME weapons were experimentally carried out on Gaza.
These weapons consist of a Carbon Fibre case filled with mixture of explosive and a very dense powder of a Heavy Metal Tungsten Alloy (HMTA) composed of tungsten & other metals such as cobalt, nickel or iron. The casing disintegrates into extremely small particles, as opposed to shrapnel. Survivors close to the lethal zone may have their limbs amputated (as the micro shrapnel can slice through soft tissue and bone) and may subsequently contract cancer from the HMTA micro-shrapnel embedded in their body tissue. The carcinogenic effects of HMTA have been studied by the U.S. Armed Forces since at least 2000, along with DU and these alloys were found to cause a transformation in the victim's cells. I would also add that any surgeon, when operating on such victims, will only remove fragments that are safe to do so and many other fragments remain inside the body to carry out there own lethal progression.
Other terrible war crimes have been committed by the IDF whilst inside the Gaza Strip. Much of this activity is well documented and the team will gain knowledge of such violation by carrying out local interviews The ironic aspect of these crimes is the fact that it constitutes a violation of the IDF own Code of Conduct which clearly show the parameters in which they have to operate. Conclusive evidence exists locally on this aspect and I have details those rulings as per below:
Code of Conduct against militants and Palestinian civilians:
Military action can only be taken against military targets.
The use of force must be proportional.
Soldiers may only use weaponry that was issued by the IDF.
Anyone who surrenders cannot be attacked.
Only those who are properly trained can interrogate prisoners.
Soldiers must accord dignity and respect to the Palestinian population and those arrested.
Soldiers must give appropriate medical care, when conditions allow, to oneself and one's enemy.
Pillaging is absolutely and totally illegal.
Soldiers must show proper respect for religious and cultural sites and artefacts.
Soldiers must protect international aid workers, including their property and vehicles.
Soldiers must report all violations of this code.
We now come to the issue of "Who sold such weapons to Israel"?
It is evident that these weapons are illegal in the context by which they have or are being used. It is also believed that the sale of such weapons could constitute a violation of the US Department of Defense own rulings on the export and usage of these weapons that are manufactured primarily in the US. A member of Congress has already raised this issue with the US Secretary of State. It must also be noted that all weapons are passed through Congress for approval with the final signatory being the President. The sale of all the arms to Israel is well documented and normally one can see much activity just prior to conflict which was the case in Israel when 1,000 Smart Bombs were exported just prior to the attack.
Finally as evidence, I add reference to the following list of some of the more recent letters sent to the UN Secretary General from the Permanent Representative for the UN in Palestine. These original letters are held at the United Nations for your perusal and I presume form part of any enquiry if relevant to the location:
2008
June 3, 18 and 25 - July 25 - August 1 - September Nil - October 20th - November 5, 17 - December 27, 29 and 30
2009
January 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, and 14 - February 2, 18 and 25 - March 6 and 25
April 8, 16 and 30 - May 22
On the question of Depleted Uranium we have seen flaws in the research and testing techniques especially on the effects of low level radiation as opposed to high dosage rates. The Balkans revealed many such flaws which did not bring the result most people were hoping for. It is fact that in forensic science one can now prosecute a person for carrying out the murder of another person, even when the victim has never been found. This is done by DNA evidence of both the victim and the offender and also other on site sampling and laboratory tests.
In the Balkans forensic evident was found in the use of DU but the outcome was not conclusive in that the Military denied its use. Why such evidence did not bring the expected result was indeed a major flaw in that enquiry. DU Penetrators were found and other DU weapons fragments with clear traces of yellow on the casings along with the appropriate radiation readings.
We saw the same happen during the Lebanon 2006 conflict when again Israel was accused of using DU weapons. Further independent laboratory tests on samples taken from craters revealed the presence of enriched uranium and much more. Additional tests further revealed the possible use of 4th Generation Weapons. All the appropriate readings were very well documented and are still retained. Again good evidence was recovered but the result was again flawed and the IDF denied it usage.
Kuwait and Iraq was the first time that DU truly came out into the open and all evidence was confirmed by the experts and the various armed forces. As a result of an unfortunate accident at a US depot in Kuwait, contamination from the DU spread in the area. This was conclusive evidence that the US and other NATO forces were using DU weaponry. The Kuwaiti Government then ordered the US to clean up the site and remove the contamination. This is normal policy and in this case the US had to remove around 7,500 kg of contaminated soil/sand and ship it back to the US for disposal. If one can relate to any such bomb site in Gaza then we can see the same problem on a much smaller scale.
Local independent sampling from Gaza has already taken place and currently under laboratory testing in both the UK and Sweden. The initial findings show some very interesting aspects with an apparent firm link to Depleted Uranium. Further sampling is required from the Rafah border & tunnel area of Southern Gaza to conclude this private investigation.
Gaza is an extremely small enclave with a dense population. The world was truly shocked at the disproportionate attack by the IDF and the high rate of injuries and deaths, especially in women and children. One cannot imagine the on going casualties that may follow as a result of the many weapons used on Gaza, some of which appeared to be experimental. It is hoped that this independent research will reveal shocking evidence with good clear results.
DU as we know becomes an aerosol with a potentially lethal outcome. The DU Dust/Contamination can travel very long distances both in the adjacent area, region and further afield. It is possible that this contamination has since passed over the border to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. During the attack on Lebanon in 2006 the DU contamination moved into Northern Israel within one hour. As a result of this contamination we may well see a dramatic rise in cancer related illnesses both in Palestine and the region. This, as we know may also cause still births and badly disfigured babies and reflects on the importance of keeping very accurate health records in Gaza and West Bank. It would also be advisable for adjacent countries to also carry out their own analysis.
To summarise we now have an opportunity to investigate in great detail the past failings of the many authorities involved in all past and current DU investigation. We can now carry out an assortment of different up to date tests on both victims and in the laboratory. These tests should take into account that methods used in the past, such as the ICRP Biokenetic Model, is not suitable for low level radiation. We must also focus on the uniqueness of Alpha particles once inhaled or ingested into the human body. Its capacity to start the cancer cycle, alter the genetics, cell structure and DNA and more importantly the passing on to the unborn child and indeed their siblings.
I am sure that if the UN team were given more time they would find much more convincing evidence in and around Gaza. It is extremely sad to learn that your team has been given time constraints for such an important issue. As you know the situation in this region is extremely sensitive and one could only assume that if a stone remains unturned it will add more fuel to the existing problems.
We have all seen the incapacity of many organisations in attempting to avoid the onset of the attack on Gaza. The writing was on the wall some six months prior to the conflict when debates were taking place and weapons orders were being processed from the United States via Congress. We saw the shameful way the world's governments observed the onslaught but did little about it. We saw their own brothers turn their backs in their hour of need. Finally we saw the disgraceful workings of the United Nations and the Security Council, when despite a majority vote against Israel they lacked the ability to stop the conflict in its early stages. What we did see was the tremendous turnout around the world of the masses. We observed that people power can change events in this world and force governments to take notice or succumb to their demands.
Finally we have now seen the UN carry out their own investigation in relation to the attacks on UN facilities in such a slow painful way. We have seen the results of those enquires which proved conclusively that Israel were guilty on almost all counts. What we did not see was that despite the evidence no attempted action has been taken via the International Court of Justice in bringing those responsible to trial. What we did see was the UN accusing them of those crimes and demand compensation for the damage caused.
One could ask the question why was this not taken further and why did this very quick investigation only deal with UN breaches. It was obvious that those same incidents had been duplicated on the people of Gaza both in the indiscriminate attacks on it citizens and on their property.
This investigation in the true sense is relatively easy compared to such places as the Balkans. All the alleged violations were carried out in a very small enclave and all the evidence is concentrated in such a small area. I feel that the United Nations has a real opportunity here to show it true strength and credibility in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.
We already have sufficient support from many member states to ban DU weapons production and use. We see a very strong anti DU campaign talking place in Europe even to a point that some of those countries are now funding research into the DU problem. What we do not see is the same support coming from the United States and other NATO countries that are currently using such weapons. One can clearly see that war can be a very lucrative business despite the barbaric indiscriminate use of such weapons.
The US has re classified an array of such weapons as being conventional when in actual fact they have strong ties with nuclear weapons. One could even see a possible connection in DU Weaponry being added to the list of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD based on evidence that DU particles have been transmitted over the far reaches of the globe.
We all know the tremendous pressures being applied to world government on the issues of Global Warming and that we all have to look at our own carbon footprint and may have to pay the price. However, we do not see those same nations showing concern at the contamination of the upper atmosphere as a result of the use of DU.
We can draw down on evidence in this particular case when we relate to the High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS) filter systems deployed by the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) situation in Aldermaston, Berkshire UK. The monitoring of Uranium in the atmosphere has been carried out since the early 1990's with more intense studies being carried since this time. After the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Iraq and the same activity in Afghanistan, the UK was subjected to extremely high levels of uranium causing alarm to the authorities. This is also very well documented and is not contained in my submission.
One does not have to be into rocket science to understand that this is a grave threat to the whole of mankind resulting in harm to possible many thousands if not millions of people. In this context I believe that the UN is in a very unique position whilst carrying out its investigations in Gaza to finally, not only prove that DU was used, but also to instigate action to stop the manufacturing of such weapons and to remove such weapons from military stock piles. It is also important for the UN to force Israel to reveal its own nuclear activity in such areas.
Finally we come to what can be done to ensure peace be returned to this region.
I believe that the UN should send in their own peacekeeping troops (Blue Helmets not combat troops from NATO) to take up positions on all borders (both sides) and once in place lift the entire blockade of land, sea and air. One could then create a corridor between Gaza and West Bank to unite the two enclaves and at the same time create trade. From the Israeli perspective they could build an elevated highway to take traffic over the Palestinian strip in order for them to gain access between Central/Northern Israel and Southern Israel.
On the issue of re construction one would have to be extremely careful with the assumed presence of DU contamination. As we have already pointed out such sites have to be isolated/fenced/contained and finally de contaminated by the removal of the subsoil's and debris etc. One would have to take the weather conditions into account when carrying out this activity based on prevailing winds and carefully make sure that resident were well clear during the operation.
Under normal protocol in the Nuclear Industry, any waste generated as a by product of the industry has to be safely stored. In the case of contamination it becomes the responsibility of the instigators to remove all traces of such contamination and return it to its place of origin. It would be Israel in this case with the involvement of the United States who exports DU weaponry to Israel knowing its final usage. It is obvious to say that with the size of Israel one could not stockpile such waste unless a suitable location was found in the Negev Desert and certainly not in or near Gaza or West Bank.
Finally when the clean up has been completed a reconstruction programme can commence especially in the building of a sea/container port and urgent re construction of the badly damaged international airport. During this period urgent action must be taken via UNCLOS and the ICJ to clarify/re define the true international borders between Egypt and Gaza, Gaza and Israel, West Bank and Israel, West Bank and Jordan. The establishment of legal offshore limits and the creation of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
On the question of all offshore oil/gas reserves both within Gaza and Israeli waters. The UNCLOS and ICJ must clarify who legally own what. In the case where a reserve is jointly owned make sure that immediate activity is halted until the results on the enquiry is known.
With all this underway the Palestinians can then be allowed (in conjunction with British Gas) to re negotiate the Joint Venture Agreement (JV) with all parties involved, including Hamas. It must be noted that these reserves belong to the country that own the coastline and that the share ratio should reflect a fair agreement which is not the current case.
It would be my recommendation for the oil/gas to then be piped directly to Gaza which would entail the construction of a large domestic gas plant and an adjacent Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant to process surplus gas for export. This will not only bring high technology to Gaza and the Palestinians but will also create many jobs. Several power stations would have to be built or modified with industrial gas turbine engines and then the natural gas can be piped to those facilities to run Palestine's energy requirements.
The spin off from the above will allow industry, public transport, commercial transport and domestic housing to all run on gas and the lucrative export of surplus gas. Any dealings with Israel would be entirely under the control of the Palestinians in conjunction with British Gas.
The future prosperity of both Gaza and West Bank (Palestine) looks extremely bright and I can say with great confidence that Gaza in particular can become the Mini Dubai of the Eastern Mediterranean. The international community must identify the terrible conditions and way of life that has been inflicted on the people of Palestine and remove this terrible blockade without delay. Palestine must be given its rightful sovereign statehood by the United Nations as a matter of priority and the UN investigation team should bring a successful conclusion to this investigation.
I have intentionally left out all the many references to the violation carried out in both Gaza and West Bank as I know that all of this is very well documented in the archives of the United Nations. As a footnote to this submission it is my intention to place this in the public domain once you have received it.
I look forward to your preliminary response.
Yours Sincerely
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant
This submission was formerly received on Wednesday, 24 June, 2009 1:15 PM after repeated requests to acknowledge it receipt:
From "Fact Finding Gaza OHCHR" factfindinggaza@ohchr.org
To Peter Eyre ...The UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict has received your Submission of 10 June 2009 and thanks you for the contribution to its work. The Submission has been made available to officers of the Mission.....FFM Gaza
This submission was not included in the Goldberg Report and all references to uranium based weapons was swept under the carpter as were other weapons such as Flachette and DIME. The Israel have truly got away with the more serious war crimes and yet still refuse to accept it contents. Truly a sad day for justice.
Israeli Citizen asks Israeli Government to explain IDF use of DU
Israel December 31 2009 Palestine Telegraph Peter Eyre
At last we see a genuinely concerned Israeli Citizen asking questions of their government regarding the IDF’s use of weapons containing uranium components. Ms Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate is a well known Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist. Historically Ms Brayer has represented Palestinians in the past and is appalled at the Israelis treatment of Palestinians in general and the ongoing illegal land grab in the West Bank. Ms Brayer has written the following letter to the Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak and it is written in both English and Hebrew which I have decided to print for the benefit of any Israeli or Jewish readers.
It is important for the Israeli and Jewish communities to fully understand that when the Government authorized the use of these weapons it was also allowing IDF forces to become contaminated themselves and also the entire population of Israel i.e.” Israel Nuked Itself.” The bulk of the weapons used were imported from the US under the existing agreement between the US and Israel which reads as follow:
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program is that part of Security Assistance authorized by the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and conducted using formal contracts or agreements between the United States Government (USG) and an authorized foreign purchaser. These contracts, called Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), are signed by both the USG and the purchasing Government or international organization; and provide for the sale of defense articles and/or defense services (to include training) usually from Department of Defense (DoD) stocks or through purchase under DoD-managed contracts. As with all Security Assistance, the FMS program supports United States (U.S.) foreign policy and national security objectives. WHO MAY PURCHASE USING THE FMS PROGRAM Presidential Determination. Defense articles and/or services may be sold or leased to a country or international organization only if the President, in accordance with AECA makes a determination that the prospective purchaser is eligible. The first priority of the US Criteria is the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to such country or international organization that strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;
I have intentionally underlined the fact that the President of the United States is the ultimate authority in allowing the export of such weapon, knowing fully their capability and application. In this context the past and current President and the US Government would be implicated in any future war crimes tribunals. The same would also apply to any past or current British Prime Minister and the Government of the United Kingdom.
It should also be noted that under this agreement a large supply of around 1,000 units of GBU-39 was shipped to Israel immediately prior to “Cast Lead” as per the following WASHINGTON, September 9, 2008 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $77 million.
The UK also provide software and hardware to Israel such as tank components, attack helicopter components and engines for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s) etc, all of which delivered the weapons concerned.
It should also be noted that certain concerned were raised in the US Congress as to if the shipment of such weapons was in violation of the US Arms Export Control Act when In January 2009, Congressman Dennis Kucinich sent notice to Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, that Israel’s actions in Gaza since December 27th, 2008 may constitute a violation of the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act. When the President is aware of the possibility of such violations, the AECA requires a report to Congress on the potential violation(s). Needless to say a suitable response was not forthcoming…….I wonder why?
In addition to the above shipment just prior to the Israeli onslaught the following Transmittal Notice was processed through the US Congress namely:
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Transmittal No. 08-83 Israel - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2008 – On September 26, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $15.2 billion. The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of an initial 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft with an option to purchase at a later date an additional 50 F-35 CTOL or Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. All aircraft will be configured with either the Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines or General Electric-Rolls Royce F-136 engines. Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. Israel needs these aircraft to augment its present operational inventory and to enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability. Israel will have no difficulty. absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces. The proposed sale will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
What is ironic about the whole programme are the huge sums of money in military aid that is sent to Israel under the carefully chosen words: “That strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;” One could hardly state that this has any connection with world peace but rather the opposite…..this has a direct link with the instability in and around the entire Middle East. One can draw our own conclusions as to why Syria and Iran support Gaza and the Palestinian cause.
One thing that never changes is the fact that the “Battle of the Crusades” continues on in the minds of the G8 countries with the total support of Christian and Jewish Zionists. It is painfully obvious that there has never been a road map for peace. The only way that the Palestinians will break free and gain “Full Sovereignty” and at the same time define their own international borders (both onshore and offshore) is by dealing directly with the United Nations, UNCLOS and the International Court of Justice. It is also imperative that the above authorities stop all offshore activities by the US and Israeli oil/gas companies until such time as the above has been completed and the true identity/location of the oil/gas fields and who owns them is defined.
Now that everyone has a clear understanding of the backdrop behind this ongoing conflict and that its all to do with natural resources lets now introduce those two most wonderful letters from Ms Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate (Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist) to the current Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak. The letter is printed in both English and Hebrew so that the Israeli and Jewish community can fully understand that their country and its inhabitants have been or continue to be contaminated from the current weapons being used by the IDF. One must also appreciate that not all weapons come from the US…many of these evil weapons are being made in Israel by IMI…..they are also tested locally and fired during IDF exercises. This only adds more contamination to Israel, its citizens, its land, crops, water and eco systems. I would like to thank Ms Brayer for allowing me to print these letters as per below. Reader can copy and paste into a word document, enlarge and read:
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
Letter in English:
Rehov Hazionut 43 Haifa email: lyndabrayer@yahoo.com December 1, 2009 Israeli
Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak Ministry of Defense Hakiriya Tel Aviv 64734
By registered mail Dear Minister Barak:
Uranium weaponry used by the IDF: is the Promised Land becoming the Poisoned Land?
I am writing this letter in several capacities: as an Israeli citizen, a mother and grandmother of Israeli children and grandchildren, a political activist and a lawyer who has specialized in the fields of international law and the laws of war. I am presuming, on the strength of our shared humanity, that your concerns are similar, if not identical to mine, as you too are a citizen of Israel, a politician, a father and a family man.
However, your military and administrative qualifications, resulting from a long history of public service, including your tenure as Chief of Staff of the IDF, and up to and including your present post as Minister of Defence, impose upon you the burdens of knowledge, care and responsibility for the public at large. I have neither your knowledge nor your responsibility, and it is for these reasons that I am turning to you to open up the discussion on weaponry and armour containing uranium used by the IDF.
The government has never announced that it has uranium component weapons, nor has it announced that it has used them. However, at least since the war in Lebanon in 2006, the question of the use by the IDF of weaponry containing uranium keeps surfacing in the news, although I suspect that they have been in use prior to that date, based on the fact of the close co-operation between the US and Israel. The evidence so far gathered shows that the IDF used such uranium weapons in Lebanon (2006) and also in Gaza during “Operation Cast Lead”, just prior to which a shipment of such weaponry arrived in Israel from the US. Samples of both soil and air filters, obtained from Lebanon and Gaza were tested in England. They revealed the presence of both depleted and enriched uranium, indicating the possible use of fourth generation weaponry. In addition, many unexploded weapons were found in both Lebanon and Gaza, and in some cases, with the ID plates still intact. This evidence would suggest that such weapons are an integral part of the Israeli arsenal, and therefore require storage and are in use for IDF training. Further indications of IDF use of these weapons is its integration into NATO and its joint exercises with US forces, both of which have these weapons in their arsenals. If this is the case, and I believe all the evidence points in this direction, then the Israeli population, not to mention the Palestinian population, has been, and continues to be exposed to dangers hitherto absent from theatres of war.
These weapons pose three chief hazards to human health: their chemical toxicity, radioactivity and the effets of fine metal particles, or fumes. They are therefore dangerous at all times – contaminating human beings both when in storage and in use, in different degrees. Conventional explosives, such as TNT, are inert until detonation, and when inert, pose no danger to human beings and the surroundings. They perform their function on detonation and with detonation they self-destruct. Their effects are limited to a specific target, or targets, and thus are limited in both space and time. In contrast, uranium-based weaponry is lethal all the times: before, during and after detonation, both in the short run and in the long run. These weapons are never, ever inert because there is no such physical state of “inert” radioactive uranium or an inert toxicity– this would be a contradiction in terms. Furthermore the radioactivity and toxicity have a synergistic effect – each heightening the other's effects.
Radioactivity acts as an infinite series of offensive, indiscriminate, exploding weapons, the effects of which are continuous and never-ending. The damage caused by DU is indiscriminate: when detonated, targets are hit but the fall-out effect is uncontrolled, uncontrollable and pervasive. This characteristic alone should place them in the category of prohibited weapons. Although they are categorized as “conventional” weapons, their radioactive and chemical toxicity and pervasiveness demands that they fall into the category of nuclear weapons, a categorization which would automatically prohibit their use.
Only political pressures, mainly from the US, have prevented such re-categorization which is a fact worth keeping in mind. These weapons are inaccurately called “depleted uranium” weapons, because they employ uranium from which the uranium isotope U-235 has been “depleted”. U-235 is used, as you know, for the production of what are called nuclear weapons. The uranium ore remaining after the extraction of nearly all of the U-235, consists mainly of the isotope U-238 which is a radioactive metal emitting low level radiation (LLR) having a half life of 4.5 billion years! This isotope is much more stable than U-235 but it is not safe for human beings. No uranium is safe for human beings precisely because of its radioactivity! People who work in uranium mines suffer from that cluster of illnesses associated with uranium weaponry.
This weaponry includes the following items: the Phalanx gun and Harpoon missiles as used by the Israeli navy; an array of missiles, bombs and shells such the Hellfire missiles and the GBU -28, or “bunker busters” used by Israeli fighter aircraft, the Apache helicopters, and drones. It is believed that Israel has now fitted the Harpoon missile with a nuclear warhead. It is believed that Israel also uses “depleted” uranium in its own weapons production, coming from the nuclear waste produced in Dimona.
The attraction of “depleted” uranium as a hard metal for weapons manufacturers and armies is that it is provided either gratis or at a very low cost, its source being nuclear waste. Its only competition in terms of hardness is tungsten, which is extremely expensive, and is also extremely toxic, but not radioactive. “Depleted” uranium has multiple benefits and uses: it can serve as a “protective” shield preventing the penetration of missiles and rockets into armoured vehicles such as tanks; it serves as a penetrator itself; and it is an incendiary, igniting spontaneously at the low temperature of 170 Celsius, causing fires and tremendous damage following the initial explosion of the weapons of which it is a part. When this uranium does ignite it becomes especially dangerous. It loses between 40–70% of its original size and evaporates into radioactive nano-particles into the atmosphere. These nano-particles can then be ingested, absorbed and inhaled by human beings while at the same time they invade the ecosystem: the air, the water, the soil and all that is dependent on them, such as agriculture. They can be rained out of the atmosphere but this merely transfers the problem from air to land. This is the continuing indiscriminate contamination caused by this weaponry.
Numerous laboratory studies have documented that uranium is genotoxic (capable of damaging DNA), cytotoxic (poisonous to cells), mutagenic (capable of inducing mutations), teratogenic (capable of interfering with normal embryonic development) and neurotoxic (capable of harming nerve tissue), and is the cause of a multitude of illnesses: cancers, genetic mutations, reproductive dysfunction, still-births and birth deformations, diabetes, etc. The medical findings in the war arenas of Iraq, Bosnia, Gaza amongst others, leave no doubt as to the horrific and lethal effects of such weaponry.
The latest report in Haaretz of November 24th, 2009 repeats a previously released report of a dramatic drop in the fertility of Israeli men, which the report says must be investigated. The incidence of certain cancers in Israel compared to its neighbours is statistically significantly higher. The following urls will provide you and your staff with a sample of articles on this subject: .http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41 This latest article provides a summary of the testing available to detect DU contamination, which governments do not seem to be using precisely because it will show up the contamination and damage caused by DU. It is my understanding that Israel has not done any such testing. http://www.truthout.org/1120097 In the light of all the above, it seems both appropriate and necesssary for you to make public the extent of the uranium-based weaponry and armoured vehicles used by the IDF. I am aware and understand that, historically, such decisions have been left to the “experts”. But this weaponry, because of its present and actual dangers, require strenuous oversight and supervision. After much public discussion and review, the parliament of Belgium voted to prohibit such weapons from Belgian soil, let alone just their use. The Netherlands has just taken a similar decision: http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html Such discussion is what is needed in Israel.
It is contrary to the ethos of democracy that a very small, exclusive and self-chosen group of people takes upon itself arbitrary powers to determine the central questions of life, death, disease and radioactive contamination of Israeli society, the environs and the region. Such power is far beyond the both mandates and competence of such individuals. The local media and human rights groups are noted for their deafening silence on this issue, a situation which has led me to take it upon myself to write to you and to begin a public campaign.
As a democracy, Israelis must be provided with sufficient information so that they may be allowed to decide whether or not to include such weaponry in the IDF's arsenals, taking into consideration the fact that these weapons poison the eco-system making the country uninhabitable. Whether we like it or not, this issue is truly a matter of life or death for the State of Israel. It is not connected to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict per se. It is, rather, a question of species survival. The radioactive particles do not distinguish between Jews and Arabs, males and females, citizens and foreigners, Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately, I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the use of such weaponry is genocidal both for the perpetrators and for the victims.
This issue concerns us all, which is why I consider it my duty as a citizen and a lawyer, to struggle for our protection. I look forward to your response as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate
cc. Prime Minister and Minister of Health Benjamin Netanyahu Director General Ministry of Health Israel Medical Association et al.
Letter in Hebrew לכב' שר הבטחון, מר אהוד ברק משרד הבטחון הקריה, תל אביב דצמבר 2, 2009 א.נ., הנדון: שימוש בנשק הכוללת אורניום ע"י צה"ל– האם הארץ המובטחת הופכת לארץ המורעלת? אני כותבת שורות אלו כאזרחית ישראלית, כאם וכסבתא לילדים ונכדים ישראלים, כפעילה פוליטית וכעו"ד המתמחה בתחומי המשפט הבינלאומי ודיני מלחמה. על בסיס אנושיותנו המשותפת, אני מאמינה שאנו חולקים דאגות דומות ואף זהות, כיוון שגם אתה אזרח ישראלי, פעיל פוליטי כפוליטיקאי, אב ואיש משפחה. אולם, כישוריך הצבאיים והמנהליים, תוצאת שירותך רב השנים הכולל את תפקידך כרמטכ"ל בצבא, ועד עצם כהונתך היום כשר בטחון, מטילים עליך את אחריות לרווחת הציבור הרחב. אין לי לא את המידע שעומד לרשותך, לא את מיומנותך ולא את האחריות שעליך. מסיבות אלו אני פונה אליך לפתוח את השיח בעניין השימוש בנשק הכולל אורניום אשר בשימוש צה"ל. הממשלה לא הודיעה שיש לישראל סוג נשק זה, וגם לא הודיעה שהיה שימוש בו. אך, לפחות מאז מלחמת לבנון ב-2006, הועלתה ההשערה באמצעי-התקשורת העולמי על השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. דעתי האישית היא שאכן נעשה שימוש בנשק זו אפילו קודם לכן, וזאת בגלל התיאום והקשרים הצבאיים ההדוקים בין ישראל וארה"ב. מה גם, שזמן קצר לפני המלחמה, הגיע משלוח של נשק הכוללת אורניום לישראל מארה"ב. כבר נמצאו ראיות בשטח המראות שנעשה שימוש בנשק זו גם בלבנון ב-2006 וגם בעזה במבצע "עופרת יצוקה". בדגימות של אדמה וממסנני אוויר של אמבולנסים, שנלקחו מזירות מלחמה אלו, ונבדקו במעבדת הארוול שבאנגליה, נמצאו גם "נטול" אורניום וגם אורניום מועשר, המראים על אפשרות שהיה שימוש בנשק מהדור הרביעי ז.א. נשק מאד משובח. יש זו רק דוגמה אחת ןיש אחרות. בנוסף, נמצאה בלבנון ובעזה נשק שלא התפוצץ, כשבמספר מקרים הסימון המזהה עדיין היה עליו. ראיות אלו מרמזות שנשק זה הוא חלק בלתי נפרד ממחסן הנשק של ישראל. נשק זה, אם כך, מאוחסן על ידי צה"ל ואף נמצא בשימוש בתרגיליו. רמזים נוספים לשימוש בנשק זה עולים מהפעולות ותרגילים הצבאיים המשולבים של צה"ל עם נאט"ו ועם ארה"ב, כאשר שניהם משתמשים בנשק הכולל אורניום. אם אכן זה המצב לאשורו, הרי שגם האוכלוסיה הישראלית וגם זו הפלסטינית היו ועודן חשופות לסכנות קטלניות שקודם לכן נעדרו מזירות מלחמה! בנשק זה טמונים שלושה סוגים של סכנה לבני אדם: הרעלה כימית, רדיו-אקטיביות וחלקיקי מתכת זעירים. כתוצאה מכך, הנשק הזה הוא מסוכן בכל עת: גם באחסון וגם בשימוש בצורות שונות. נשק קונוונציונאלי הכולל טנ"ט, (TNT) אינו פעיל עד שמפוצצים אותו. ז.א. הוא חומר אינרטי ולכן אינו מסוכן לא לבני אדם ולא לסביבה. האיחוסן שלו אינו מהווה בעיה. הנשק ממלא את תפקו עם התפוצצותו ובאותה עת הנשק עובר הרס עצמי ונגמר. התוצאות וההשפעות מוגבלות למטרות מסוימות, וע"י כך הן מוגבלות בזמן ובמקום. בניגוד לכך, נשק הכולל אורניום הינו מסוכן בכל עת: לפני, תוך כדי ולאחר התפוצצות: באחסון, משך תרגילים, בשדה הקרב ולאחר מכן, בטווח הקצר ובטווח הארוך. נשק זו אף פעם אינו בלתי-פעיל או אינרטי כיוון שרדיו-אקטיביות ורעילות הן תכונות פעילות מתמדות ובלתי-פוסקות. שתי תכונות אלו משפיעות אחת על השנייה בצורה סינרגסטית, כלומר, תכונה אחת מגבירה את אפקט של השנייה. רדיו-אקטיביות פועלת כסדרה מתמשכת של התפוצצויות פוגעות וחסרות אבחנה, שתוצאותיה נמשכות ואינן מסתיימות. האורניום גורם לנזק ללא אבחנה: לאחר פגיע ביעדים, הנפולת, שהיא כוללת חלקיקים זעירים ביותר, אינה נשלטת, ואינה ניתנת לשליטה, ומתפשטת בכפוף לתנאי מזג האוויר. אפיון זה בלבד מהווה סיבה מספיקת לאסור על השימוש בנשק זה. למרות שנשק זה מסווג כנשק קונוונציונאלי, הרדיו-אקטיביות והרעילות שלו והתפשטותו דורשים שיסווג כנשק גרעיני, סיווג שבאופן אוטומטי היה אוסר על שימושו (לפי האמנות הקיימות). אך רק לחצים פוליטיים, ז.א. לחץ כוחני לא ענייני, בעיקר מצד ארה"ב, מונעים סיווג זה, עובדה שכדאי לזכורה. השם נשק "נטול אורניום" איננו מדויק. למרות שנטלו מהאורניום את האיזוטופ u-235 (ככל שאפשר) לצורך ייצור נשק גרעיני, כלומר פצצות גרעיניות, עופרת האורניום שנשארת לאחר הליך זה כולל בעיקר את האיזוטופ u-238 שהוא עופרת בעלת רדיו-אקטיבית נמוכה יותר מזו של u-235, הידועה כ-LLR שאורך חצי חייו הוא 4.7 ביליון שנה! איזוטופ זה הרבה יותר יציב מאשר האיזוטופ u-235 אך הוא קטלני לבני אדם. שום סוג של אורניום אינו בלתי מזיק לבני אדם בשום מצב כלשהו. כורים העובדים במכרות אורניום סובלים מאותו מכלול מחלות הקשור לנשק המכיל אורניום. דוגמאות לנשק זו הן כדלקמן: תותחי ה-Phalanx שבשימוש הצי הישראלי, פגזים קטנים המשמשים לתותחי ה-Gatling שבמסוקי ה-Apache, וה-GBU 28, אחד ממפוצצי המקלטים הידועים כ-bunker busters המיועדים לחדירה עמוקה של בטון תת-קרקעי מחוזק. יתכן גם אורניום בנשק אחרים, כגון בפצצות מצרר - cluster bombs. קיימת גם דעה שישראל משתמשת ב"נטול אורניום" ליצירת נשק מקומית, כאשר מקור האורניום הוא פסולת הגרעינית מדימונה. אין ספק שיש "יתרונות" לשימוש באורניום בנשק וכנשק. קודם כל, אספקתו הינה חינם ללא עלות או במחיר מינימאלי. בנוסף, היותו מתכת קשה מאד הופך אותו ליעיל ביותר בשדה הקרב. המתחרה היחיד כמתכת קשה הוא טאנגסטן אך יקר מאד ואין לו את התכונה של התפוצצות ספונטנית כמור אורניום. הוא חומר מאד רעיל אך הוא לא רדיו-אקטיבי. בין השימושים הרבים של "נטול אורניום" הוא שימושו כמגן המונע חדירה של טילים מכל מיני סוגים לשריון. הוא בעצמו מהווה חומר חדירה יעיל ביותר. ובנוסף הוא גם מבעיר ומתפוצץ באופן ספונטני בטמפרטורה יחסית נמוכה לנשק, 170 מעלות צלסיוס, וגורם לשריפות ונזק רב בעקבות ההתפוצצות המקורית של הנשק אשר ממנו הוא מהווה חלק בלתי- נפרד. כשהאורניום מתפוצץ הוא הופך למסוכן עוד יותר. הוא מאבד בין 40-70% מגודלו המקורי ומתאדה לתוך האטמוספרה כחלקיקי-נאנו. חלקיקים אלה נכנסים לגוף האדם דרך הפה ומערכת הנשימה, וניתנים לספיגה דרך העור כתוצאה מגודלם המזערי. באותה עת הם חודרים לתוך המערכת האקולוגית: האוויר, המים והאדמה וכל אשר תלוי בהם, כגון החקלאות, העצים, הבהמות, הדגים וכו'. הגשם מנקה את האטמוספרה מחלקיקים אלו, אך מכניס אותם לתוך האדמה. חדירה זו מהווה את ההרעלה המתמשכת והבלתי-מבחינה ומהווה את הסכנה המתמשכת לבני- אדם וכו'. מחקרים רבים כבר מראים שהאורניום בראש טראשונה גורם לסרטנים למיניהם, הוא גנוטוקסי (פוגע בגנים), ציטוטוקסי (מרעיל את התאים), מיוטוגני (יכול לגרום לשינוים בגנים לדורי דורות), טראטוגנטי -Teratogenicity (יכול להפריע להתפתחות הנורמלית של העובר) וניורוטוקסי (גורם לפגיות ברקמת העצמות). לכן ברור שהוא הגורם למספר רב של מחלות: מחלות סרטן למיניהן, שינויים גנטיים, פוריות פגומה, לידות של תינוקות מתים, עיוותי לידה, סכרת וכו'. הממצאים הרפואיים מזירות מלחמה של עיראק, בוסניה, ועזה בין היתר, אינם משאירים שום ספק לגבי התוצאות המחרידות והקטלניות של נשק זה. המאמר האחרון ב"הארץ" מנובמבר 24, 2009 חוזר על ממצא קודם של ירידה דרמטית בפוריות של גברים ישראלים, וכותב המאמר טוען שזו עובדה המזמינה חקירה. שכיחות כמה סוגים של סרטן בישראל מהווה שכיחות יתר מבחינה סטטיסטית. כתובות האינטרנט הבאות יספקו לך ולעוזריך כמה דוגמאות של מאמרים בנושא: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41 יש גם מאמר המסכם את המבחנים הניתנים לבצוע כדי להבחין ולגלות הרעלה ע"י "נטול אורניום". ממשלות אינן ממהרות לחשוף פגיעות אלו ולכן לא מעודדות, בלשון המעטה, ביצוע מבחנים אלה. נראה שישראל גם לא ביצעה מבחנים אלו. כתובת מאמר זה היא: http://www/truthout.org/1120097 לאור כל האמור לעיל, נראה שמתאים ואף הכרחי שאתה, כשר הבטחון, תחשוף לציבור הרחב את שיעור והמקומות של השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. אני ערה לכך וגם יודעת שבאופן היסטורי, החלטות לגבי שימוש בנשק היו בידי ה"מומחים". אך נשק זה, בגלל הסכנות המיידיות והממשיות שלו, דורש שיח ציבורי דחוף! הפרלמנט הבלגי החליט לאסור לא רק את השימוש בו אלה גם נוכחות נשק זה על אדמתה של בלגיה. הולנד הגיעה לאותה החלטה. ראה: http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html יש צורך באותו שיח ציבורי בישראל. החלטות של קבוצה קטנה, אקסקלוסיבית, שהוקמה ע"י בחירה עצמית, אינן יכולות לקבוע שאלות של חיים ומוות עבור האוכלוסייה כולה. החלטות בשאלות הקשורות לשימוש בנשק זה מהוות הפעלת כוח שרירותית ואנטי-דמוקראטית בעליל. הפעלת כוח כזו חורגת מאמות המידה של מנהל תקין וגם של סמכות של קבוצה כזאת. אמצעי-התקשורת וארגוני זכויות אדם ואף אנשי ממשל מאופיינים ע"י שתיקה רועמת בנושא זה. מצב זה הוא שאילץ אותי לכתוב אליך, ולקחת על עצמי להתחיל מסע ציבורי בנושא. למדינה המציגה את עצמה כדמוקראטית, יש חובה לספק לאזרחיה מידע מקיף, שיאפשר שיח ציבורי אם בכלל נשק זה הוא רצוי לאור אפיוניו. בין אם אנחנו אוהבים את זה ובין אם לאו, נושא זה באמת מהווה שאלה של חיים או מוות עבור אוכלוסיית מדינת ישראל כולה. אין הוא קשור לקונפליקט הישראלי-פלסטיני לכשעצמו. אכן, זו שאלה של הישרדות המין האנושי באזור. חלקיקים רדיו-אקטיביים אינם מבחינים בין יהודי וערבי, בין איש ואישה, בין אזרח וזר, בין ישראלי, ופלסטיני. לדאבוני הרב, אין זו הגזמה לתאר נשק זה כנשק משמיד עמים (genocidal weaponry) גם עבור מפעיליו וגם עבור קורבנותיו. זו סוגיה הנוגעת לכולנו, וזו הסיבה שרואה אני כאזרחית וכעו"ד כחובתי להאבק עבור בטחוננו. אחכה לתשובתך בהקדם. בתודה, לינדה ברייר, עו"ד lyndabrayer@yahoo.com
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
At last we see a genuinely concerned Israeli Citizen asking questions of their government regarding the IDF’s use of weapons containing uranium components. Ms Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate is a well known Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist. Historically Ms Brayer has represented Palestinians in the past and is appalled at the Israelis treatment of Palestinians in general and the ongoing illegal land grab in the West Bank. Ms Brayer has written the following letter to the Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak and it is written in both English and Hebrew which I have decided to print for the benefit of any Israeli or Jewish readers.
It is important for the Israeli and Jewish communities to fully understand that when the Government authorized the use of these weapons it was also allowing IDF forces to become contaminated themselves and also the entire population of Israel i.e.” Israel Nuked Itself.” The bulk of the weapons used were imported from the US under the existing agreement between the US and Israel which reads as follow:
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program is that part of Security Assistance authorized by the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and conducted using formal contracts or agreements between the United States Government (USG) and an authorized foreign purchaser. These contracts, called Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), are signed by both the USG and the purchasing Government or international organization; and provide for the sale of defense articles and/or defense services (to include training) usually from Department of Defense (DoD) stocks or through purchase under DoD-managed contracts. As with all Security Assistance, the FMS program supports United States (U.S.) foreign policy and national security objectives. WHO MAY PURCHASE USING THE FMS PROGRAM Presidential Determination. Defense articles and/or services may be sold or leased to a country or international organization only if the President, in accordance with AECA makes a determination that the prospective purchaser is eligible. The first priority of the US Criteria is the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to such country or international organization that strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;
I have intentionally underlined the fact that the President of the United States is the ultimate authority in allowing the export of such weapon, knowing fully their capability and application. In this context the past and current President and the US Government would be implicated in any future war crimes tribunals. The same would also apply to any past or current British Prime Minister and the Government of the United Kingdom.
It should also be noted that under this agreement a large supply of around 1,000 units of GBU-39 was shipped to Israel immediately prior to “Cast Lead” as per the following WASHINGTON, September 9, 2008 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $77 million.
The UK also provide software and hardware to Israel such as tank components, attack helicopter components and engines for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s) etc, all of which delivered the weapons concerned.
It should also be noted that certain concerned were raised in the US Congress as to if the shipment of such weapons was in violation of the US Arms Export Control Act when In January 2009, Congressman Dennis Kucinich sent notice to Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, that Israel’s actions in Gaza since December 27th, 2008 may constitute a violation of the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act. When the President is aware of the possibility of such violations, the AECA requires a report to Congress on the potential violation(s). Needless to say a suitable response was not forthcoming…….I wonder why?
In addition to the above shipment just prior to the Israeli onslaught the following Transmittal Notice was processed through the US Congress namely:
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Transmittal No. 08-83 Israel - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2008 – On September 26, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $15.2 billion. The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of an initial 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft with an option to purchase at a later date an additional 50 F-35 CTOL or Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. All aircraft will be configured with either the Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines or General Electric-Rolls Royce F-136 engines. Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. Israel needs these aircraft to augment its present operational inventory and to enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability. Israel will have no difficulty. absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces. The proposed sale will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
What is ironic about the whole programme are the huge sums of money in military aid that is sent to Israel under the carefully chosen words: “That strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;” One could hardly state that this has any connection with world peace but rather the opposite…..this has a direct link with the instability in and around the entire Middle East. One can draw our own conclusions as to why Syria and Iran support Gaza and the Palestinian cause.
One thing that never changes is the fact that the “Battle of the Crusades” continues on in the minds of the G8 countries with the total support of Christian and Jewish Zionists. It is painfully obvious that there has never been a road map for peace. The only way that the Palestinians will break free and gain “Full Sovereignty” and at the same time define their own international borders (both onshore and offshore) is by dealing directly with the United Nations, UNCLOS and the International Court of Justice. It is also imperative that the above authorities stop all offshore activities by the US and Israeli oil/gas companies until such time as the above has been completed and the true identity/location of the oil/gas fields and who owns them is defined.
Now that everyone has a clear understanding of the backdrop behind this ongoing conflict and that its all to do with natural resources lets now introduce those two most wonderful letters from Ms Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate (Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist) to the current Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak. The letter is printed in both English and Hebrew so that the Israeli and Jewish community can fully understand that their country and its inhabitants have been or continue to be contaminated from the current weapons being used by the IDF. One must also appreciate that not all weapons come from the US…many of these evil weapons are being made in Israel by IMI…..they are also tested locally and fired during IDF exercises. This only adds more contamination to Israel, its citizens, its land, crops, water and eco systems. I would like to thank Ms Brayer for allowing me to print these letters as per below. Reader can copy and paste into a word document, enlarge and read:
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
Letter in English:
Rehov Hazionut 43 Haifa email: lyndabrayer@yahoo.com December 1, 2009 Israeli
Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak Ministry of Defense Hakiriya Tel Aviv 64734
By registered mail Dear Minister Barak:
Uranium weaponry used by the IDF: is the Promised Land becoming the Poisoned Land?
I am writing this letter in several capacities: as an Israeli citizen, a mother and grandmother of Israeli children and grandchildren, a political activist and a lawyer who has specialized in the fields of international law and the laws of war. I am presuming, on the strength of our shared humanity, that your concerns are similar, if not identical to mine, as you too are a citizen of Israel, a politician, a father and a family man.
However, your military and administrative qualifications, resulting from a long history of public service, including your tenure as Chief of Staff of the IDF, and up to and including your present post as Minister of Defence, impose upon you the burdens of knowledge, care and responsibility for the public at large. I have neither your knowledge nor your responsibility, and it is for these reasons that I am turning to you to open up the discussion on weaponry and armour containing uranium used by the IDF.
The government has never announced that it has uranium component weapons, nor has it announced that it has used them. However, at least since the war in Lebanon in 2006, the question of the use by the IDF of weaponry containing uranium keeps surfacing in the news, although I suspect that they have been in use prior to that date, based on the fact of the close co-operation between the US and Israel. The evidence so far gathered shows that the IDF used such uranium weapons in Lebanon (2006) and also in Gaza during “Operation Cast Lead”, just prior to which a shipment of such weaponry arrived in Israel from the US. Samples of both soil and air filters, obtained from Lebanon and Gaza were tested in England. They revealed the presence of both depleted and enriched uranium, indicating the possible use of fourth generation weaponry. In addition, many unexploded weapons were found in both Lebanon and Gaza, and in some cases, with the ID plates still intact. This evidence would suggest that such weapons are an integral part of the Israeli arsenal, and therefore require storage and are in use for IDF training. Further indications of IDF use of these weapons is its integration into NATO and its joint exercises with US forces, both of which have these weapons in their arsenals. If this is the case, and I believe all the evidence points in this direction, then the Israeli population, not to mention the Palestinian population, has been, and continues to be exposed to dangers hitherto absent from theatres of war.
These weapons pose three chief hazards to human health: their chemical toxicity, radioactivity and the effets of fine metal particles, or fumes. They are therefore dangerous at all times – contaminating human beings both when in storage and in use, in different degrees. Conventional explosives, such as TNT, are inert until detonation, and when inert, pose no danger to human beings and the surroundings. They perform their function on detonation and with detonation they self-destruct. Their effects are limited to a specific target, or targets, and thus are limited in both space and time. In contrast, uranium-based weaponry is lethal all the times: before, during and after detonation, both in the short run and in the long run. These weapons are never, ever inert because there is no such physical state of “inert” radioactive uranium or an inert toxicity– this would be a contradiction in terms. Furthermore the radioactivity and toxicity have a synergistic effect – each heightening the other's effects.
Radioactivity acts as an infinite series of offensive, indiscriminate, exploding weapons, the effects of which are continuous and never-ending. The damage caused by DU is indiscriminate: when detonated, targets are hit but the fall-out effect is uncontrolled, uncontrollable and pervasive. This characteristic alone should place them in the category of prohibited weapons. Although they are categorized as “conventional” weapons, their radioactive and chemical toxicity and pervasiveness demands that they fall into the category of nuclear weapons, a categorization which would automatically prohibit their use.
Only political pressures, mainly from the US, have prevented such re-categorization which is a fact worth keeping in mind. These weapons are inaccurately called “depleted uranium” weapons, because they employ uranium from which the uranium isotope U-235 has been “depleted”. U-235 is used, as you know, for the production of what are called nuclear weapons. The uranium ore remaining after the extraction of nearly all of the U-235, consists mainly of the isotope U-238 which is a radioactive metal emitting low level radiation (LLR) having a half life of 4.5 billion years! This isotope is much more stable than U-235 but it is not safe for human beings. No uranium is safe for human beings precisely because of its radioactivity! People who work in uranium mines suffer from that cluster of illnesses associated with uranium weaponry.
This weaponry includes the following items: the Phalanx gun and Harpoon missiles as used by the Israeli navy; an array of missiles, bombs and shells such the Hellfire missiles and the GBU -28, or “bunker busters” used by Israeli fighter aircraft, the Apache helicopters, and drones. It is believed that Israel has now fitted the Harpoon missile with a nuclear warhead. It is believed that Israel also uses “depleted” uranium in its own weapons production, coming from the nuclear waste produced in Dimona.
The attraction of “depleted” uranium as a hard metal for weapons manufacturers and armies is that it is provided either gratis or at a very low cost, its source being nuclear waste. Its only competition in terms of hardness is tungsten, which is extremely expensive, and is also extremely toxic, but not radioactive. “Depleted” uranium has multiple benefits and uses: it can serve as a “protective” shield preventing the penetration of missiles and rockets into armoured vehicles such as tanks; it serves as a penetrator itself; and it is an incendiary, igniting spontaneously at the low temperature of 170 Celsius, causing fires and tremendous damage following the initial explosion of the weapons of which it is a part. When this uranium does ignite it becomes especially dangerous. It loses between 40–70% of its original size and evaporates into radioactive nano-particles into the atmosphere. These nano-particles can then be ingested, absorbed and inhaled by human beings while at the same time they invade the ecosystem: the air, the water, the soil and all that is dependent on them, such as agriculture. They can be rained out of the atmosphere but this merely transfers the problem from air to land. This is the continuing indiscriminate contamination caused by this weaponry.
Numerous laboratory studies have documented that uranium is genotoxic (capable of damaging DNA), cytotoxic (poisonous to cells), mutagenic (capable of inducing mutations), teratogenic (capable of interfering with normal embryonic development) and neurotoxic (capable of harming nerve tissue), and is the cause of a multitude of illnesses: cancers, genetic mutations, reproductive dysfunction, still-births and birth deformations, diabetes, etc. The medical findings in the war arenas of Iraq, Bosnia, Gaza amongst others, leave no doubt as to the horrific and lethal effects of such weaponry.
The latest report in Haaretz of November 24th, 2009 repeats a previously released report of a dramatic drop in the fertility of Israeli men, which the report says must be investigated. The incidence of certain cancers in Israel compared to its neighbours is statistically significantly higher. The following urls will provide you and your staff with a sample of articles on this subject: .http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41 This latest article provides a summary of the testing available to detect DU contamination, which governments do not seem to be using precisely because it will show up the contamination and damage caused by DU. It is my understanding that Israel has not done any such testing. http://www.truthout.org/1120097 In the light of all the above, it seems both appropriate and necesssary for you to make public the extent of the uranium-based weaponry and armoured vehicles used by the IDF. I am aware and understand that, historically, such decisions have been left to the “experts”. But this weaponry, because of its present and actual dangers, require strenuous oversight and supervision. After much public discussion and review, the parliament of Belgium voted to prohibit such weapons from Belgian soil, let alone just their use. The Netherlands has just taken a similar decision: http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html Such discussion is what is needed in Israel.
It is contrary to the ethos of democracy that a very small, exclusive and self-chosen group of people takes upon itself arbitrary powers to determine the central questions of life, death, disease and radioactive contamination of Israeli society, the environs and the region. Such power is far beyond the both mandates and competence of such individuals. The local media and human rights groups are noted for their deafening silence on this issue, a situation which has led me to take it upon myself to write to you and to begin a public campaign.
As a democracy, Israelis must be provided with sufficient information so that they may be allowed to decide whether or not to include such weaponry in the IDF's arsenals, taking into consideration the fact that these weapons poison the eco-system making the country uninhabitable. Whether we like it or not, this issue is truly a matter of life or death for the State of Israel. It is not connected to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict per se. It is, rather, a question of species survival. The radioactive particles do not distinguish between Jews and Arabs, males and females, citizens and foreigners, Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately, I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the use of such weaponry is genocidal both for the perpetrators and for the victims.
This issue concerns us all, which is why I consider it my duty as a citizen and a lawyer, to struggle for our protection. I look forward to your response as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate
cc. Prime Minister and Minister of Health Benjamin Netanyahu Director General Ministry of Health Israel Medical Association et al.
Letter in Hebrew לכב' שר הבטחון, מר אהוד ברק משרד הבטחון הקריה, תל אביב דצמבר 2, 2009 א.נ., הנדון: שימוש בנשק הכוללת אורניום ע"י צה"ל– האם הארץ המובטחת הופכת לארץ המורעלת? אני כותבת שורות אלו כאזרחית ישראלית, כאם וכסבתא לילדים ונכדים ישראלים, כפעילה פוליטית וכעו"ד המתמחה בתחומי המשפט הבינלאומי ודיני מלחמה. על בסיס אנושיותנו המשותפת, אני מאמינה שאנו חולקים דאגות דומות ואף זהות, כיוון שגם אתה אזרח ישראלי, פעיל פוליטי כפוליטיקאי, אב ואיש משפחה. אולם, כישוריך הצבאיים והמנהליים, תוצאת שירותך רב השנים הכולל את תפקידך כרמטכ"ל בצבא, ועד עצם כהונתך היום כשר בטחון, מטילים עליך את אחריות לרווחת הציבור הרחב. אין לי לא את המידע שעומד לרשותך, לא את מיומנותך ולא את האחריות שעליך. מסיבות אלו אני פונה אליך לפתוח את השיח בעניין השימוש בנשק הכולל אורניום אשר בשימוש צה"ל. הממשלה לא הודיעה שיש לישראל סוג נשק זה, וגם לא הודיעה שהיה שימוש בו. אך, לפחות מאז מלחמת לבנון ב-2006, הועלתה ההשערה באמצעי-התקשורת העולמי על השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. דעתי האישית היא שאכן נעשה שימוש בנשק זו אפילו קודם לכן, וזאת בגלל התיאום והקשרים הצבאיים ההדוקים בין ישראל וארה"ב. מה גם, שזמן קצר לפני המלחמה, הגיע משלוח של נשק הכוללת אורניום לישראל מארה"ב. כבר נמצאו ראיות בשטח המראות שנעשה שימוש בנשק זו גם בלבנון ב-2006 וגם בעזה במבצע "עופרת יצוקה". בדגימות של אדמה וממסנני אוויר של אמבולנסים, שנלקחו מזירות מלחמה אלו, ונבדקו במעבדת הארוול שבאנגליה, נמצאו גם "נטול" אורניום וגם אורניום מועשר, המראים על אפשרות שהיה שימוש בנשק מהדור הרביעי ז.א. נשק מאד משובח. יש זו רק דוגמה אחת ןיש אחרות. בנוסף, נמצאה בלבנון ובעזה נשק שלא התפוצץ, כשבמספר מקרים הסימון המזהה עדיין היה עליו. ראיות אלו מרמזות שנשק זה הוא חלק בלתי נפרד ממחסן הנשק של ישראל. נשק זה, אם כך, מאוחסן על ידי צה"ל ואף נמצא בשימוש בתרגיליו. רמזים נוספים לשימוש בנשק זה עולים מהפעולות ותרגילים הצבאיים המשולבים של צה"ל עם נאט"ו ועם ארה"ב, כאשר שניהם משתמשים בנשק הכולל אורניום. אם אכן זה המצב לאשורו, הרי שגם האוכלוסיה הישראלית וגם זו הפלסטינית היו ועודן חשופות לסכנות קטלניות שקודם לכן נעדרו מזירות מלחמה! בנשק זה טמונים שלושה סוגים של סכנה לבני אדם: הרעלה כימית, רדיו-אקטיביות וחלקיקי מתכת זעירים. כתוצאה מכך, הנשק הזה הוא מסוכן בכל עת: גם באחסון וגם בשימוש בצורות שונות. נשק קונוונציונאלי הכולל טנ"ט, (TNT) אינו פעיל עד שמפוצצים אותו. ז.א. הוא חומר אינרטי ולכן אינו מסוכן לא לבני אדם ולא לסביבה. האיחוסן שלו אינו מהווה בעיה. הנשק ממלא את תפקו עם התפוצצותו ובאותה עת הנשק עובר הרס עצמי ונגמר. התוצאות וההשפעות מוגבלות למטרות מסוימות, וע"י כך הן מוגבלות בזמן ובמקום. בניגוד לכך, נשק הכולל אורניום הינו מסוכן בכל עת: לפני, תוך כדי ולאחר התפוצצות: באחסון, משך תרגילים, בשדה הקרב ולאחר מכן, בטווח הקצר ובטווח הארוך. נשק זו אף פעם אינו בלתי-פעיל או אינרטי כיוון שרדיו-אקטיביות ורעילות הן תכונות פעילות מתמדות ובלתי-פוסקות. שתי תכונות אלו משפיעות אחת על השנייה בצורה סינרגסטית, כלומר, תכונה אחת מגבירה את אפקט של השנייה. רדיו-אקטיביות פועלת כסדרה מתמשכת של התפוצצויות פוגעות וחסרות אבחנה, שתוצאותיה נמשכות ואינן מסתיימות. האורניום גורם לנזק ללא אבחנה: לאחר פגיע ביעדים, הנפולת, שהיא כוללת חלקיקים זעירים ביותר, אינה נשלטת, ואינה ניתנת לשליטה, ומתפשטת בכפוף לתנאי מזג האוויר. אפיון זה בלבד מהווה סיבה מספיקת לאסור על השימוש בנשק זה. למרות שנשק זה מסווג כנשק קונוונציונאלי, הרדיו-אקטיביות והרעילות שלו והתפשטותו דורשים שיסווג כנשק גרעיני, סיווג שבאופן אוטומטי היה אוסר על שימושו (לפי האמנות הקיימות). אך רק לחצים פוליטיים, ז.א. לחץ כוחני לא ענייני, בעיקר מצד ארה"ב, מונעים סיווג זה, עובדה שכדאי לזכורה. השם נשק "נטול אורניום" איננו מדויק. למרות שנטלו מהאורניום את האיזוטופ u-235 (ככל שאפשר) לצורך ייצור נשק גרעיני, כלומר פצצות גרעיניות, עופרת האורניום שנשארת לאחר הליך זה כולל בעיקר את האיזוטופ u-238 שהוא עופרת בעלת רדיו-אקטיבית נמוכה יותר מזו של u-235, הידועה כ-LLR שאורך חצי חייו הוא 4.7 ביליון שנה! איזוטופ זה הרבה יותר יציב מאשר האיזוטופ u-235 אך הוא קטלני לבני אדם. שום סוג של אורניום אינו בלתי מזיק לבני אדם בשום מצב כלשהו. כורים העובדים במכרות אורניום סובלים מאותו מכלול מחלות הקשור לנשק המכיל אורניום. דוגמאות לנשק זו הן כדלקמן: תותחי ה-Phalanx שבשימוש הצי הישראלי, פגזים קטנים המשמשים לתותחי ה-Gatling שבמסוקי ה-Apache, וה-GBU 28, אחד ממפוצצי המקלטים הידועים כ-bunker busters המיועדים לחדירה עמוקה של בטון תת-קרקעי מחוזק. יתכן גם אורניום בנשק אחרים, כגון בפצצות מצרר - cluster bombs. קיימת גם דעה שישראל משתמשת ב"נטול אורניום" ליצירת נשק מקומית, כאשר מקור האורניום הוא פסולת הגרעינית מדימונה. אין ספק שיש "יתרונות" לשימוש באורניום בנשק וכנשק. קודם כל, אספקתו הינה חינם ללא עלות או במחיר מינימאלי. בנוסף, היותו מתכת קשה מאד הופך אותו ליעיל ביותר בשדה הקרב. המתחרה היחיד כמתכת קשה הוא טאנגסטן אך יקר מאד ואין לו את התכונה של התפוצצות ספונטנית כמור אורניום. הוא חומר מאד רעיל אך הוא לא רדיו-אקטיבי. בין השימושים הרבים של "נטול אורניום" הוא שימושו כמגן המונע חדירה של טילים מכל מיני סוגים לשריון. הוא בעצמו מהווה חומר חדירה יעיל ביותר. ובנוסף הוא גם מבעיר ומתפוצץ באופן ספונטני בטמפרטורה יחסית נמוכה לנשק, 170 מעלות צלסיוס, וגורם לשריפות ונזק רב בעקבות ההתפוצצות המקורית של הנשק אשר ממנו הוא מהווה חלק בלתי- נפרד. כשהאורניום מתפוצץ הוא הופך למסוכן עוד יותר. הוא מאבד בין 40-70% מגודלו המקורי ומתאדה לתוך האטמוספרה כחלקיקי-נאנו. חלקיקים אלה נכנסים לגוף האדם דרך הפה ומערכת הנשימה, וניתנים לספיגה דרך העור כתוצאה מגודלם המזערי. באותה עת הם חודרים לתוך המערכת האקולוגית: האוויר, המים והאדמה וכל אשר תלוי בהם, כגון החקלאות, העצים, הבהמות, הדגים וכו'. הגשם מנקה את האטמוספרה מחלקיקים אלו, אך מכניס אותם לתוך האדמה. חדירה זו מהווה את ההרעלה המתמשכת והבלתי-מבחינה ומהווה את הסכנה המתמשכת לבני- אדם וכו'. מחקרים רבים כבר מראים שהאורניום בראש טראשונה גורם לסרטנים למיניהם, הוא גנוטוקסי (פוגע בגנים), ציטוטוקסי (מרעיל את התאים), מיוטוגני (יכול לגרום לשינוים בגנים לדורי דורות), טראטוגנטי -Teratogenicity (יכול להפריע להתפתחות הנורמלית של העובר) וניורוטוקסי (גורם לפגיות ברקמת העצמות). לכן ברור שהוא הגורם למספר רב של מחלות: מחלות סרטן למיניהן, שינויים גנטיים, פוריות פגומה, לידות של תינוקות מתים, עיוותי לידה, סכרת וכו'. הממצאים הרפואיים מזירות מלחמה של עיראק, בוסניה, ועזה בין היתר, אינם משאירים שום ספק לגבי התוצאות המחרידות והקטלניות של נשק זה. המאמר האחרון ב"הארץ" מנובמבר 24, 2009 חוזר על ממצא קודם של ירידה דרמטית בפוריות של גברים ישראלים, וכותב המאמר טוען שזו עובדה המזמינה חקירה. שכיחות כמה סוגים של סרטן בישראל מהווה שכיחות יתר מבחינה סטטיסטית. כתובות האינטרנט הבאות יספקו לך ולעוזריך כמה דוגמאות של מאמרים בנושא: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41 יש גם מאמר המסכם את המבחנים הניתנים לבצוע כדי להבחין ולגלות הרעלה ע"י "נטול אורניום". ממשלות אינן ממהרות לחשוף פגיעות אלו ולכן לא מעודדות, בלשון המעטה, ביצוע מבחנים אלה. נראה שישראל גם לא ביצעה מבחנים אלו. כתובת מאמר זה היא: http://www/truthout.org/1120097 לאור כל האמור לעיל, נראה שמתאים ואף הכרחי שאתה, כשר הבטחון, תחשוף לציבור הרחב את שיעור והמקומות של השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. אני ערה לכך וגם יודעת שבאופן היסטורי, החלטות לגבי שימוש בנשק היו בידי ה"מומחים". אך נשק זה, בגלל הסכנות המיידיות והממשיות שלו, דורש שיח ציבורי דחוף! הפרלמנט הבלגי החליט לאסור לא רק את השימוש בו אלה גם נוכחות נשק זה על אדמתה של בלגיה. הולנד הגיעה לאותה החלטה. ראה: http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html יש צורך באותו שיח ציבורי בישראל. החלטות של קבוצה קטנה, אקסקלוסיבית, שהוקמה ע"י בחירה עצמית, אינן יכולות לקבוע שאלות של חיים ומוות עבור האוכלוסייה כולה. החלטות בשאלות הקשורות לשימוש בנשק זה מהוות הפעלת כוח שרירותית ואנטי-דמוקראטית בעליל. הפעלת כוח כזו חורגת מאמות המידה של מנהל תקין וגם של סמכות של קבוצה כזאת. אמצעי-התקשורת וארגוני זכויות אדם ואף אנשי ממשל מאופיינים ע"י שתיקה רועמת בנושא זה. מצב זה הוא שאילץ אותי לכתוב אליך, ולקחת על עצמי להתחיל מסע ציבורי בנושא. למדינה המציגה את עצמה כדמוקראטית, יש חובה לספק לאזרחיה מידע מקיף, שיאפשר שיח ציבורי אם בכלל נשק זה הוא רצוי לאור אפיוניו. בין אם אנחנו אוהבים את זה ובין אם לאו, נושא זה באמת מהווה שאלה של חיים או מוות עבור אוכלוסיית מדינת ישראל כולה. אין הוא קשור לקונפליקט הישראלי-פלסטיני לכשעצמו. אכן, זו שאלה של הישרדות המין האנושי באזור. חלקיקים רדיו-אקטיביים אינם מבחינים בין יהודי וערבי, בין איש ואישה, בין אזרח וזר, בין ישראלי, ופלסטיני. לדאבוני הרב, אין זו הגזמה לתאר נשק זה כנשק משמיד עמים (genocidal weaponry) גם עבור מפעיליו וגם עבור קורבנותיו. זו סוגיה הנוגעת לכולנו, וזו הסיבה שרואה אני כאזרחית וכעו"ד כחובתי להאבק עבור בטחוננו. אחכה לתשובתך בהקדם. בתודה, לינדה ברייר, עו"ד lyndabrayer@yahoo.com
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
A New Year for Gaza or a repeat of the Old?
As we remember the victims of Gaza we have to ask ourselves have we seen the end to the Israeli atrocities or will the 2010 show the same old business as usual?
As it stands at the moment the Israeli military is still flexing its enormous might with repeated air strikes using fighters, helicopter gunships and the dreaded drones.
It is remarkable that this very large so called elite force can only hide behind a façade of high technology using robotic equipment and lacks the courage to meet their adversaries in the conventional way. Obviously this happened in Lebanon and the IDF ran home with their tales between their legs.
What is incredible is they continue to use disproportionate force that can only be described as collective punishment which is in total violation of the Geneva Convention. We have also seen the type of weapons they use (and continue to use) which clearly demonstrates they are using the strip as a testing ground for both US and IMI manufactured weapons.
We read that yet again for the fourth day the IDF maintains its stance of punishing the people of Gaza and for what would be the question? The Palestine Telegraph report shows appalling daily raids: “30 Dec, 2009 Israeli air force still launching the heaviest bombardments in Gaza ever” “Israeli warplanes, drones, artillery machines, and apache helicopters broadly took part in the nightly raids. Israeli air raids destroyed a sport club and a building inside the Islamic University of Gaza IUG. IUG was hit Monday night and 2 building were destroyed. One of the destroyed buildings was the laboratory funded by Islamic Development Bank estimated of millions of dollars.” As usual innocent civilians and children were the victims of this overnight aggression.
So tomorrow we see the end of 2009 which marks the end of a very bad year for the people of Gaza. Their suffering continues throughout the winter months whilst the United Nations and the World looks on. Whatever has been or is being done in Gaza is just a token gesture by the UN and the real issues continue to be swept under a very large carpet. The Arab League continue to sit on their hands worrying about their own economic growth and Egypt continues to suck up to the US and Israel in return for a US Golden Egg. They say that what goes around comes around but for some reason their “Muslim Brothers” continue to distance themselves from this terrible issue.
We see many members of the so called Arab League committing millions of dollars in aid support but none of this actually reaches Gaza. We see the West and Israel deprive this enclave of its own extremely wealthy natural resources that surely in itself must constitutes a breach of the Geneva Convention. I also believe that Israel is currently or about to take this valuable resource by illicit means and once again our world mediator, the United Nations, sit on their hands and pretend nothing is happening. The UN has already noted and passed resolutions regarding the rape of Palestinian land and its resources and really is lacking in its ability to follow its own constitution. Why would world governments continue to pour in vast sums of money into an organisation that is led by a weak timid Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon?
We saw the UN make an announcement on Christmas Eve: 24 December 2009 – After Israel’s announcement that it will allow glass into Gaza following United Nations requests to repair homes damaged during last year’s fighting, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced hope that this will pave the way for other much-needed materials to enter the area.
What about window frames that no longer exist, what about that vital commodity called concrete and many more essential building materials……why doesn’t Israel allow this to pass through and for what reason?....are they afraid that the people of Gaza with all their inner strength and fortitude will bounce back from the brink of extinction?
We see the same old jargon coming from the lips of Ban Ki-moon that he hopes or looks forward to better times or peace. The road map for peace goes back so far now it has been archived in the history vaults of the United Nations…..when will the UN fulfil its obligations to the nations of the world it represents? And when will the “Big Boys Club” called the “Security Council” be scrapped and replaced by genuine sincere national representatives that think in a more compassionate way rather than the current economically greedy elite?
The shadows of the original League of Nations hangs over the UN like a dark grey cloud and it is clearly showing the same signs of failure as its predecessor. The Goldstone Report is a classic example of the manipulative control of certain members of the UN…obviously the US, UK, NATO countries, Israel etc.
It was on the same day (Christmas Eve) that the following was announced:
The General Assembly today approved a budget of $5.16 billion for the 2010-2011 period, in a move immediately welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. One could hardly describe this budget as a treasured “Christmas Gift” when one reflects on the combined war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan as being almost double this for only one month.
What we see here is a cycle of events that allows the UN to approve such a war effort, whether legal or illegal! This pittance of money is then used to rebuild the infrastructure that the UN allowed to be destroyed, whilst at the same time massive aid is injected into that country to support the IDP’s that have had to re locate to avoid the war. We also see time and time again a massive rebuilding programme that really never gets off the ground and those that do are handed to the US contractors at extortionate prices.
We saw a classic example of this in Iraq when millions of UN dollars (actually Iraqi money from the oil for food programme) was handed to the US Treasury. It was then flown in bulk (as raw cash) in US Military transport aircraft to Iraq where it sat in an open vault for every Tom, Dick and Harry to help themselves. Contracts were raised many of which never existed and the money was siphoned off without any account or audit.
I myself have visited Iraq a few times and noticed that the country is still in a terrible state of disrepair and lacking basic infrastructure. One could say that Kurdistan is doing well by comparison but so also are all the international companies that are making an economic killing in the region and yet despite the North being much more stable the Turkish military is allowed to breach its sovereignty anytime it so chooses to carry out raids against the US labelled terrorist group called the PKK (Which in the European Court was cleared of this label).
Back to Gaza and its future. It is so hard for compassionate caring people to understand the workings of the UN….on one hand it established UNRWA in Palestine and this has been the lifeline for the people of Gaza but was this a token gesture by the UN to show it cared. From my perspective this was like putting a sticky plaster on a gaping open wound and was only a small branch of an olive tree.
The United Nations has failed and continues to fail the people of Gaza. The Goldstone Report only went part way into revealing the true horrors of the Israeli attack. It missed out most of the evil weapons used and certainly dropped the topic of weapons containing uranium components, despite the fact that samples since recovered from Gaza were showing clear signs of both depleted and enriched uranium.
To the United Nations even using the term of depleted uranium send shivers down their spines and instils absolute panic in amongst their halls of fame. The UNEP has failed in its entirety in revealing the true level and usage of such weapons in the Balkans, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza and now Pakistan. It has not only failed in this mission but it also didn’t look. It has conspired with its partners in crime the World Health Organisation (WHO) and with the many governments associated with NATO and the Israeli to hide the truth from the many thousands (if not millions) of innocent civilians that are now victim to its so called “safe level of low level radiation.” To the young men that served their country (the war vets) they have turned their backs and deceived them at a level that is beyond comprehension.
The clear tell tale signs are popping up in all the ex and current areas of conflict that have succumbed to these US/Israeli made weapons. We now see huge rises in many forms of cancer, diabetes, mental health, infertility, still births or terribly disfigured babies with little chance of survival. This story had its origin in the Balkans and now covers all the areas highlighted previously, which now also includes Gaza. It is also interesting to note that Israel itself has also succumbed to its own weaponry with an above average rise of the same health issues.
I again ask the United Nations, especially Mr Francis Deng, who was appointed as a special adviser for the prevention of genocide as to why these weapons are still being used and why he, in his legal capacity has not address this mass genocide that is currently taking place. I would also ask Mr Deng why Gaza is also being allowed to become a genocidal graveyard under the watchful eye of his office and the United Nations.
So what will 2010 bring to the people of Gaza? If it’s left to the IDF, who are in full swing with military action as we speak, it can hardly be anything different or should I say business as usual!
To Ban Ki-moon and the UN - you hope for a solution but my line would be action speaks louder than words!
To the Arab League - I am sure you will continue to turn your backs on your brothers but send much money to the central government in West Bank!
To Egypt - I am sure they will keep having your palms brushed with US gold and military aid and continue to punish the enclave that once belonged to you!
To Israel - you will continue to look at a blank map of the road to peace that goes nowhere and continue to occupy and rape Palestine of its land and resources!
To Obama and the US Government - you will continue to support Israel no matter what; otherwise your political funding mechanism will be curtailed!
To Brown and the UK Government - you will also continue to support Israel no matter what; otherwise your political funding mechanism will dry up!
To all EU leaders and their Governments- you will also continue to support Israel no matter what; otherwise your respective political funding mechanism will also dry up!
So where does this leave Gaza in the New Year…….Absolutely alone as usual.
One would always hope that Gaza and West Bank can settle their differences and unite as one unified Palestinian State and then take their country forward by independently seeking full Sovereignty via the United Nations and UNCLOS.
Certainly the past has not been kind to the people of Gaza or to the Palestinians in general. No one can foresee what lies ahead for them in 2010 and beyond but their strength and sense of belonging has always pulled them through extremely difficult conflicts and intense periods of Israeli harassment.
For my part all I can say is your strength is your armour and no one can take away what is rightfully yours. You coped extremely well with a very difficult year and I know that you will continue to grow in strength against impossible odds in the coming years.
To all the people of Gaza, West Bank and all Palestinians wherever you may be I would like to wish you all a “Very Happy New Year for 2010” and sincerely hope that the new year brings you some hope or maybe the lifting of the cruel blockade.
Bless you all – Peter Eyre – Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
As it stands at the moment the Israeli military is still flexing its enormous might with repeated air strikes using fighters, helicopter gunships and the dreaded drones.
It is remarkable that this very large so called elite force can only hide behind a façade of high technology using robotic equipment and lacks the courage to meet their adversaries in the conventional way. Obviously this happened in Lebanon and the IDF ran home with their tales between their legs.
What is incredible is they continue to use disproportionate force that can only be described as collective punishment which is in total violation of the Geneva Convention. We have also seen the type of weapons they use (and continue to use) which clearly demonstrates they are using the strip as a testing ground for both US and IMI manufactured weapons.
We read that yet again for the fourth day the IDF maintains its stance of punishing the people of Gaza and for what would be the question? The Palestine Telegraph report shows appalling daily raids: “30 Dec, 2009 Israeli air force still launching the heaviest bombardments in Gaza ever” “Israeli warplanes, drones, artillery machines, and apache helicopters broadly took part in the nightly raids. Israeli air raids destroyed a sport club and a building inside the Islamic University of Gaza IUG. IUG was hit Monday night and 2 building were destroyed. One of the destroyed buildings was the laboratory funded by Islamic Development Bank estimated of millions of dollars.” As usual innocent civilians and children were the victims of this overnight aggression.
So tomorrow we see the end of 2009 which marks the end of a very bad year for the people of Gaza. Their suffering continues throughout the winter months whilst the United Nations and the World looks on. Whatever has been or is being done in Gaza is just a token gesture by the UN and the real issues continue to be swept under a very large carpet. The Arab League continue to sit on their hands worrying about their own economic growth and Egypt continues to suck up to the US and Israel in return for a US Golden Egg. They say that what goes around comes around but for some reason their “Muslim Brothers” continue to distance themselves from this terrible issue.
We see many members of the so called Arab League committing millions of dollars in aid support but none of this actually reaches Gaza. We see the West and Israel deprive this enclave of its own extremely wealthy natural resources that surely in itself must constitutes a breach of the Geneva Convention. I also believe that Israel is currently or about to take this valuable resource by illicit means and once again our world mediator, the United Nations, sit on their hands and pretend nothing is happening. The UN has already noted and passed resolutions regarding the rape of Palestinian land and its resources and really is lacking in its ability to follow its own constitution. Why would world governments continue to pour in vast sums of money into an organisation that is led by a weak timid Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon?
We saw the UN make an announcement on Christmas Eve: 24 December 2009 – After Israel’s announcement that it will allow glass into Gaza following United Nations requests to repair homes damaged during last year’s fighting, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced hope that this will pave the way for other much-needed materials to enter the area.
What about window frames that no longer exist, what about that vital commodity called concrete and many more essential building materials……why doesn’t Israel allow this to pass through and for what reason?....are they afraid that the people of Gaza with all their inner strength and fortitude will bounce back from the brink of extinction?
We see the same old jargon coming from the lips of Ban Ki-moon that he hopes or looks forward to better times or peace. The road map for peace goes back so far now it has been archived in the history vaults of the United Nations…..when will the UN fulfil its obligations to the nations of the world it represents? And when will the “Big Boys Club” called the “Security Council” be scrapped and replaced by genuine sincere national representatives that think in a more compassionate way rather than the current economically greedy elite?
The shadows of the original League of Nations hangs over the UN like a dark grey cloud and it is clearly showing the same signs of failure as its predecessor. The Goldstone Report is a classic example of the manipulative control of certain members of the UN…obviously the US, UK, NATO countries, Israel etc.
It was on the same day (Christmas Eve) that the following was announced:
The General Assembly today approved a budget of $5.16 billion for the 2010-2011 period, in a move immediately welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. One could hardly describe this budget as a treasured “Christmas Gift” when one reflects on the combined war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan as being almost double this for only one month.
What we see here is a cycle of events that allows the UN to approve such a war effort, whether legal or illegal! This pittance of money is then used to rebuild the infrastructure that the UN allowed to be destroyed, whilst at the same time massive aid is injected into that country to support the IDP’s that have had to re locate to avoid the war. We also see time and time again a massive rebuilding programme that really never gets off the ground and those that do are handed to the US contractors at extortionate prices.
We saw a classic example of this in Iraq when millions of UN dollars (actually Iraqi money from the oil for food programme) was handed to the US Treasury. It was then flown in bulk (as raw cash) in US Military transport aircraft to Iraq where it sat in an open vault for every Tom, Dick and Harry to help themselves. Contracts were raised many of which never existed and the money was siphoned off without any account or audit.
I myself have visited Iraq a few times and noticed that the country is still in a terrible state of disrepair and lacking basic infrastructure. One could say that Kurdistan is doing well by comparison but so also are all the international companies that are making an economic killing in the region and yet despite the North being much more stable the Turkish military is allowed to breach its sovereignty anytime it so chooses to carry out raids against the US labelled terrorist group called the PKK (Which in the European Court was cleared of this label).
Back to Gaza and its future. It is so hard for compassionate caring people to understand the workings of the UN….on one hand it established UNRWA in Palestine and this has been the lifeline for the people of Gaza but was this a token gesture by the UN to show it cared. From my perspective this was like putting a sticky plaster on a gaping open wound and was only a small branch of an olive tree.
The United Nations has failed and continues to fail the people of Gaza. The Goldstone Report only went part way into revealing the true horrors of the Israeli attack. It missed out most of the evil weapons used and certainly dropped the topic of weapons containing uranium components, despite the fact that samples since recovered from Gaza were showing clear signs of both depleted and enriched uranium.
To the United Nations even using the term of depleted uranium send shivers down their spines and instils absolute panic in amongst their halls of fame. The UNEP has failed in its entirety in revealing the true level and usage of such weapons in the Balkans, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Gaza and now Pakistan. It has not only failed in this mission but it also didn’t look. It has conspired with its partners in crime the World Health Organisation (WHO) and with the many governments associated with NATO and the Israeli to hide the truth from the many thousands (if not millions) of innocent civilians that are now victim to its so called “safe level of low level radiation.” To the young men that served their country (the war vets) they have turned their backs and deceived them at a level that is beyond comprehension.
The clear tell tale signs are popping up in all the ex and current areas of conflict that have succumbed to these US/Israeli made weapons. We now see huge rises in many forms of cancer, diabetes, mental health, infertility, still births or terribly disfigured babies with little chance of survival. This story had its origin in the Balkans and now covers all the areas highlighted previously, which now also includes Gaza. It is also interesting to note that Israel itself has also succumbed to its own weaponry with an above average rise of the same health issues.
I again ask the United Nations, especially Mr Francis Deng, who was appointed as a special adviser for the prevention of genocide as to why these weapons are still being used and why he, in his legal capacity has not address this mass genocide that is currently taking place. I would also ask Mr Deng why Gaza is also being allowed to become a genocidal graveyard under the watchful eye of his office and the United Nations.
So what will 2010 bring to the people of Gaza? If it’s left to the IDF, who are in full swing with military action as we speak, it can hardly be anything different or should I say business as usual!
To Ban Ki-moon and the UN - you hope for a solution but my line would be action speaks louder than words!
To the Arab League - I am sure you will continue to turn your backs on your brothers but send much money to the central government in West Bank!
To Egypt - I am sure they will keep having your palms brushed with US gold and military aid and continue to punish the enclave that once belonged to you!
To Israel - you will continue to look at a blank map of the road to peace that goes nowhere and continue to occupy and rape Palestine of its land and resources!
To Obama and the US Government - you will continue to support Israel no matter what; otherwise your political funding mechanism will be curtailed!
To Brown and the UK Government - you will also continue to support Israel no matter what; otherwise your political funding mechanism will dry up!
To all EU leaders and their Governments- you will also continue to support Israel no matter what; otherwise your respective political funding mechanism will also dry up!
So where does this leave Gaza in the New Year…….Absolutely alone as usual.
One would always hope that Gaza and West Bank can settle their differences and unite as one unified Palestinian State and then take their country forward by independently seeking full Sovereignty via the United Nations and UNCLOS.
Certainly the past has not been kind to the people of Gaza or to the Palestinians in general. No one can foresee what lies ahead for them in 2010 and beyond but their strength and sense of belonging has always pulled them through extremely difficult conflicts and intense periods of Israeli harassment.
For my part all I can say is your strength is your armour and no one can take away what is rightfully yours. You coped extremely well with a very difficult year and I know that you will continue to grow in strength against impossible odds in the coming years.
To all the people of Gaza, West Bank and all Palestinians wherever you may be I would like to wish you all a “Very Happy New Year for 2010” and sincerely hope that the new year brings you some hope or maybe the lifting of the cruel blockade.
Bless you all – Peter Eyre – Middle East Consultant 31/12/2009
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Israeli Citizen asks Israeli Government to explain IDF use of DU
Israeli Citizen asks Israeli Government to explain IDF use of DU
At last we see a genuinely concerned Israeli Citizen asking questions of their government regarding the IDF’s use of weapons containing uranium components. Ms Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate is a well known Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist.
Historically Ms Brayer has represented Palestinians in the past and is appalled at the Israelis treatment of Palestinians in general and the ongoing illegal land grab in the West Bank.
Ms Brayer has written the following letter to the Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak and it is written in both English and Hebrew which I have decided to print for the benefit of any Israeli or Jewish readers.
It is important for the Israeli and Jewish communities to fully understand that when the Government authorized the use of these weapons it was also allowing IDF forces to become contaminated themselves and also the entire population of Israel i.e.” Israel Nuked Itself.”
The bulk of the weapons used were imported from the US under the existing agreement between the US and Israel which reads as follow:
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program is that part of Security Assistance
authorized by the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and conducted using formal contracts or agreements between the United States Government (USG) and an authorized foreign purchaser.
These contracts, called Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), are signed by both the USG and the purchasing Government or international organization; and provide for the sale of defense articles and/or defense services (to include training) usually from Department of Defense (DoD) stocks or through purchase under DoD-managed contracts. As with all Security Assistance, the FMS program supports United States (U.S.) foreign policy and national security objectives.
WHO MAY PURCHASE USING THE FMS PROGRAM
Presidential Determination. Defense articles and/or services may be sold or leased to
a country or international organization only if the President, in accordance with AECA makes a determination that the prospective purchaser is eligible.
The first priority of the US Criteria is the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to such country or international organization that strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;
I have intentionally underlined the fact that the President of the United States is the ultimate authority in allowing the export of such weapon, knowing fully their capability and application. In this context the past and current President and the US Government would be implicated in any future war crimes tribunals. The same would also apply to any past or current British Prime Minister and the Government of the United Kingdom.
It should also be noted that under this agreement a large supply of around 1,000 units of GBU-39 was shipped to Israel immediately prior to “Cast Lead” as per the following
WASHINGTON, September 9, 2008 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $77 million.
The UK also provide software and hardware to Israel such as tank components, attack helicopter components and engines for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s) etc, all of which delivered the weapons concerned.
It should also be noted that certain concerned were raised in the US Congress as to if the shipment of such weapons was in violation of the US Arms Export Control Act when In January 2009, Congressman Dennis Kucinich sent notice to Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, that Israel’s actions in Gaza since December 27th, 2008 may constitute a violation of the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act. When the President is aware of the possibility of such violations, the AECA requires a report to Congress on the potential violation(s). Needless to say a suitable response was not forthcoming…….I wonder why?
In addition to the above shipment just prior to the Israeli onslaught the following Transmittal Notice was processed through the US Congress namely:
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Transmittal No. 08-83 Israel - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2008 – On September 26, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $15.2 billion. The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of an initial 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft with an option to purchase at a later date an additional 50 F-35 CTOL or Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. All aircraft will be configured with either the Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines or General Electric-Rolls Royce F-136 engines. Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. Israel needs these aircraft to augment its present operational inventory and to enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability. Israel will have no difficulty.
absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces. The proposed sale will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
What is ironic about the whole programme are the huge sums of money in military aid that is sent to Israel under the carefully chosen words: “That strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;” One could hardly state that this has any connection with world peace but rather the opposite…..this has a direct link with the instability in and around the entire Middle East. One can draw our own conclusions as to why Syria and Iran support Gaza and the Palestinian cause.
One thing that never changes is the fact that the “Battle of the Crusades” continues on in the minds of the G8 countries with the total support of Christian and Jewish Zionists. It is painfully obvious that there has never been a road map for peace. The only way that the Palestinians will break free and gain “Full Sovereignty” and at the same time define their own international borders (both onshore and offshore) is by dealing directly with the United Nations, UNCLOS and the International Court of Justice.
It is also imperative that the above authorities stop all offshore activities by the US and Israeli oil/gas companies until such time as the above has been completed and the true identity/location of the oil/gas fields and who owns them is defined.
Now that everyone has a clear understanding of the backdrop behind this ongoing conflict and that its all to do with natural resources lets now introduce those two most wonderful letters from Ms Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate (Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist) to the current Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak. The letter is printed in both English and Hebrew so that the Israeli and Jewish community can fully understand that their country and its inhabitants have been or continue to be contaminated from the current weapons being used by the IDF. One must also appreciate that not all weapons come from the US…many of these evil weapons are being made in Israel by IMI…..they are also tested locally and fired during IDF exercises. This only adds more contamination to Israel, its citizens, its land, crops, water and eco systems. I would like to thank Ms Brayer for allowing me to print these letters as per below. Reader can copy and paste into a word document, enlarge and read:
Rehov Hazionut 43
Haifa
email: lyndabrayer@yahoo.com
December 1, 2009
Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak
Ministry of Defense
Hakiriya
Tel Aviv 64734
By registered mail
Dear Minister Barak:
Re: Uranium weaponry used by the IDF: is the Promised Land becoming the Poisoned Land?
I am writing this letter in several capacities: as an Israeli citizen, a mother and grandmother of Israeli children and grandchildren, a political activist and a lawyer who has specialized in the fields of international law and the laws of war. I am presuming, on the strength of our shared humanity, that your concerns are similar, if not identical to mine, as you too are a citizen of Israel, a politician, a father and a family man. However, your military and administrative qualifications, resulting from a long history of public service, including your tenure as Chief of Staff of the IDF, and up to and including your present post as Minister of Defence, impose upon you the burdens of knowledge, care and responsibility for the public at large. I have neither your knowledge nor your responsibility, and it is for these reasons that I am turning to you to open up the discussion on weaponry and armour containing uranium used by the IDF.
The government has never announced that it has uranium component weapons, nor has it announced that it has used them. However, at least since the war in Lebanon in 2006, the question of the use by the IDF of weaponry containing uranium keeps surfacing in the news, although I suspect that they have been in use prior to that date, based on the fact of the close co-operation between the US and Israel. The evidence so far gathered shows that the IDF used such uranium weapons in Lebanon (2006) and also in Gaza during “Operation Cast Lead”, just prior to which a shipment of such weaponry arrived in Israel from the US. Samples of both soil and air filters, obtained from Lebanon and Gaza were tested in England. They revealed the presence of both depleted and enriched uranium, indicating the possible use of fourth generation weaponry. In addition, many unexploded weapons were found in both Lebanon and Gaza, and in some cases, with the ID plates still intact. This evidence would suggest that such weapons are an integral part of the Israeli arsenal, and therefore require storage and are in use for IDF training. Further indications of IDF use of these weapons is its integration into NATO and its joint exercises with US forces, both of which have these weapons in their arsenals.
If this is the case, and I believe all the evidence points in this direction, then the Israeli population, not to mention the Palestinian population, has been, and continues to be exposed to dangers hitherto absent from theatres of war. These weapons pose three chief hazards to human health: their chemical toxicity, radioactivity and the effets of fine metal particles, or fumes. They are therefore dangerous at all times – contaminating human beings both when in storage and in use, in different degrees. Conventional explosives, such as TNT, are inert until detonation, and when inert, pose no danger to human beings and the surroundings. They perform their function on detonation and with detonation they self-destruct. Their effects are limited to a specific target, or targets, and thus are limited in both space and time. In contrast, uranium-based weaponry is lethal all the times: before, during and after detonation, both in the short run and in the long run. These weapons are never, ever inert because there is no such physical state of “inert” radioactive uranium or an inert toxicity– this would be a contradiction in terms. Furthermore the radioactivity and toxicity have a synergistic effect – each heightening the other's effects. Radioactivity acts as an infinite series of offensive, indiscriminate, exploding weapons, the effects of which are continuous and never-ending. The damage caused by DU is indiscriminate: when detonated, targets are hit but the fall-out effect is uncontrolled, uncontrollable and pervasive. This characteristic alone should place them in the category of prohibited weapons. Although they are categorized as “conventional” weapons, their radioactive and chemical toxicity and pervasiveness demands that they fall into the category of nuclear weapons, a categorization which would automatically prohibit their use. Only political pressures, mainly from the US, have prevented such re-categorization which is a fact worth keeping in mind.
These weapons are inaccurately called “depleted uranium” weapons, because they employ uranium from which the uranium isotope U-235 has been “depleted”. U-235 is used, as you know, for the production of what are called nuclear weapons. The uranium ore remaining after the extraction of nearly all of the U-235, consists mainly of the isotope U-238 which is a radioactive metal emitting low level radiation (LLR) having a half life of 4.5 billion years! This isotope is much more stable than U-235 but it is not safe for human beings. No uranium is safe for human beings precisely because of its radioactivity! People who work in uranium mines suffer from that cluster of illnesses associated with uranium weaponry.
This weaponry includes the following items: the Phalanx gun and Harpoon missiles as used by the Israeli navy; an array of missiles, bombs and shells such the Hellfire missiles and the GBU -28, or “bunker busters” used by Israeli fighter aircraft, the Apache helicopters, and drones. It is believed that Israel has now fitted the Harpoon missile with a nuclear warhead. It is believed that Israel also uses “depleted” uranium in its own weapons production, coming from the nuclear waste produced in Dimona.
The attraction of “depleted” uranium as a hard metal for weapons manufacturers and armies is that it is provided either gratis or at a very low cost, its source being nuclear waste. Its only competition in terms of hardness is tungsten, which is extremely expensive, and is also extremely toxic, but not radioactive. “Depleted” uranium has multiple benefits and uses: it can serve as a “protective” shield preventing the penetration of missiles and rockets into armoured vehicles such as tanks; it serves as a penetrator itself; and it is an incendiary, igniting spontaneously at the low temperature of 170 Celsius, causing fires and tremendous damage following the initial explosion of the weapons of which it is a part.
When this uranium does ignite it becomes especially dangerous. It loses between 40–70% of its original size and evaporates into radioactive nano-particles into the atmosphere. These nano-particles can then be ingested, absorbed and inhaled by human beings while at the same time they invade the ecosystem: the air, the water, the soil and all that is dependent on them, such as agriculture. They can be rained out of the atmosphere but this merely transfers the problem from air to land. This is the continuing indiscriminate contamination caused by this weaponry. Numerous laboratory studies have documented that uranium is genotoxic (capable of damaging DNA), cytotoxic (poisonous to cells), mutagenic (capable of inducing mutations), teratogenic (capable of interfering with normal embryonic development) and neurotoxic (capable of harming nerve tissue), and is the cause of a multitude of illnesses: cancers, genetic mutations, reproductive dysfunction, still-births and birth deformations, diabetes, etc. The medical findings in the war arenas of Iraq, Bosnia, Gaza amongst others, leave no doubt as to the horrific and lethal effects of such weaponry. The latest report in Haaretz of November 24th, 2009 repeats a previously released report of a dramatic drop in the fertility of Israeli men, which the report says must be investigated. The incidence of certain cancers in Israel compared to its neighbours is statistically significantly higher. The following urls will provide you and your staff with a sample of articles on this subject:
.http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41
This latest article provides a summary of the testing available to detect DU contamination, which governments do not seem to be using precisely because it will show up the contamination and damage caused by DU. It is my understanding that Israel has not done any such testing.
http://www.truthout.org/1120097
In the light of all the above, it seems both appropriate and necesssary for you to make public the extent of the uranium-based weaponry and armoured vehicles used by the IDF. I am aware and understand that, historically, such decisions have been left to the “experts”. But this weaponry, because of its present and actual dangers, require strenuous oversight and supervision. After much public discussion and review, the parliament of Belgium voted to prohibit such weapons from Belgian soil, let alone just their use. The Netherlands has just taken a similar decision:
http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html
Such discussion is what is needed in Israel. It is contrary to the ethos of democracy that a very small, exclusive and self-chosen group of people takes upon itself arbitrary powers to determine the central questions of life, death, disease and radioactive contamination of Israeli society, the environs and the region. Such power is far beyond the both mandates and competence of such individuals.
The local media and human rights groups are noted for their deafening silence on this issue, a situation which has led me to take it upon myself to write to you and to begin a public campaign. As a democracy, Israelis must be provided with sufficient information so that they may be allowed to decide whether or not to include such weaponry in the IDF's arsenals, taking into consideration the fact that these weapons poison the eco-system making the country uninhabitable. Whether we like it or not, this issue is truly a matter of life or death for the State of Israel. It is not connected to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict per se. It is, rather, a question of species survival. The radioactive particles do not distinguish between Jews and Arabs, males and females, citizens and foreigners, Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately, I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the use of such weaponry is genocidal both for the perpetrators and for the victims. This issue concerns us all, which is why I consider it my duty as a citizen and a lawyer, to struggle for our protection.
I look forward to your response as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate
cc.
Prime Minister and Minister of Health Benjamin Netanyahu
Director General Ministry of Health
Israel Medical Association et al.
This same letter is in Hebrew as per below:
לכב'
שר הבטחון, מר אהוד ברק
משרד הבטחון
הקריה,
תל אביב
דצמבר 2, 2009
א.נ.,
הנדון: שימוש בנשק הכוללת אורניום ע"י צה"ל– האם הארץ המובטחת הופכת לארץ המורעלת?
אני כותבת שורות אלו כאזרחית ישראלית, כאם וכסבתא לילדים ונכדים ישראלים, כפעילה פוליטית וכעו"ד המתמחה בתחומי המשפט הבינלאומי ודיני מלחמה. על בסיס אנושיותנו המשותפת, אני מאמינה שאנו חולקים דאגות דומות ואף זהות, כיוון שגם אתה אזרח ישראלי, פעיל פוליטי כפוליטיקאי, אב ואיש משפחה. אולם, כישוריך הצבאיים והמנהליים, תוצאת שירותך רב השנים הכולל את תפקידך כרמטכ"ל בצבא, ועד עצם כהונתך היום כשר בטחון, מטילים עליך את אחריות לרווחת הציבור הרחב. אין לי לא את המידע שעומד לרשותך, לא את מיומנותך ולא את האחריות שעליך. מסיבות אלו אני פונה אליך לפתוח את השיח בעניין השימוש בנשק הכולל אורניום אשר בשימוש צה"ל.
הממשלה לא הודיעה שיש לישראל סוג נשק זה, וגם לא הודיעה שהיה שימוש בו. אך, לפחות מאז מלחמת לבנון ב-2006, הועלתה ההשערה באמצעי-התקשורת העולמי על השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. דעתי האישית היא שאכן נעשה שימוש בנשק זו אפילו קודם לכן, וזאת בגלל התיאום והקשרים הצבאיים ההדוקים בין ישראל וארה"ב. מה גם, שזמן קצר לפני המלחמה, הגיע משלוח של נשק הכוללת אורניום לישראל מארה"ב. כבר נמצאו ראיות בשטח המראות שנעשה שימוש בנשק זו גם בלבנון ב-2006 וגם בעזה במבצע "עופרת יצוקה". בדגימות של אדמה וממסנני אוויר של אמבולנסים, שנלקחו מזירות מלחמה אלו, ונבדקו במעבדת הארוול שבאנגליה, נמצאו גם "נטול" אורניום וגם אורניום מועשר, המראים על אפשרות שהיה שימוש בנשק מהדור הרביעי ז.א. נשק מאד משובח. יש זו רק דוגמה אחת ןיש אחרות. בנוסף, נמצאה בלבנון ובעזה נשק שלא התפוצץ, כשבמספר מקרים הסימון המזהה עדיין היה עליו. ראיות אלו מרמזות שנשק זה הוא חלק בלתי נפרד ממחסן הנשק של ישראל. נשק זה, אם כך, מאוחסן על ידי צה"ל ואף נמצא בשימוש בתרגיליו. רמזים נוספים לשימוש בנשק זה עולים מהפעולות ותרגילים הצבאיים המשולבים של צה"ל עם נאט"ו ועם ארה"ב, כאשר שניהם משתמשים בנשק הכולל אורניום.
אם אכן זה המצב לאשורו, הרי שגם האוכלוסיה הישראלית וגם זו הפלסטינית היו ועודן חשופות לסכנות קטלניות שקודם לכן נעדרו מזירות מלחמה! בנשק זה טמונים שלושה סוגים של סכנה לבני אדם: הרעלה כימית, רדיו-אקטיביות וחלקיקי מתכת זעירים. כתוצאה מכך, הנשק הזה הוא מסוכן בכל עת: גם באחסון וגם בשימוש בצורות שונות. נשק קונוונציונאלי הכולל טנ"ט, (TNT) אינו פעיל עד שמפוצצים אותו. ז.א. הוא חומר אינרטי ולכן אינו מסוכן לא לבני אדם ולא לסביבה. האיחוסן שלו אינו מהווה בעיה. הנשק ממלא את תפקו עם התפוצצותו ובאותה עת הנשק עובר הרס עצמי ונגמר. התוצאות וההשפעות מוגבלות למטרות מסוימות, וע"י כך הן מוגבלות בזמן ובמקום.
בניגוד לכך, נשק הכולל אורניום הינו מסוכן בכל עת: לפני, תוך כדי ולאחר התפוצצות: באחסון, משך תרגילים, בשדה הקרב ולאחר מכן, בטווח הקצר ובטווח הארוך. נשק זו אף פעם אינו בלתי-פעיל או אינרטי כיוון שרדיו-אקטיביות ורעילות הן תכונות פעילות מתמדות ובלתי-פוסקות. שתי תכונות אלו משפיעות אחת על השנייה בצורה סינרגסטית, כלומר, תכונה אחת מגבירה את אפקט של השנייה. רדיו-אקטיביות פועלת כסדרה מתמשכת של התפוצצויות פוגעות וחסרות אבחנה, שתוצאותיה נמשכות ואינן מסתיימות. האורניום גורם לנזק ללא אבחנה: לאחר פגיע ביעדים, הנפולת, שהיא כוללת חלקיקים זעירים ביותר, אינה נשלטת, ואינה ניתנת לשליטה, ומתפשטת בכפוף לתנאי מזג האוויר. אפיון זה בלבד מהווה סיבה מספיקת לאסור על השימוש בנשק זה. למרות שנשק זה מסווג כנשק קונוונציונאלי, הרדיו-אקטיביות והרעילות שלו והתפשטותו דורשים שיסווג כנשק גרעיני, סיווג שבאופן אוטומטי היה אוסר על שימושו (לפי האמנות הקיימות). אך רק לחצים פוליטיים, ז.א. לחץ כוחני לא ענייני, בעיקר מצד ארה"ב, מונעים סיווג זה, עובדה שכדאי לזכורה.
השם נשק "נטול אורניום" איננו מדויק. למרות שנטלו מהאורניום את האיזוטופ u-235 (ככל שאפשר) לצורך ייצור נשק גרעיני, כלומר פצצות גרעיניות, עופרת האורניום שנשארת לאחר הליך זה כולל בעיקר את האיזוטופ u-238 שהוא עופרת בעלת רדיו-אקטיבית נמוכה יותר מזו של u-235, הידועה כ-LLR שאורך חצי חייו הוא 4.7 ביליון שנה! איזוטופ זה הרבה יותר יציב מאשר האיזוטופ u-235 אך הוא קטלני לבני אדם. שום סוג של אורניום אינו בלתי מזיק לבני אדם בשום מצב כלשהו. כורים העובדים במכרות אורניום סובלים מאותו מכלול מחלות הקשור לנשק המכיל אורניום.
דוגמאות לנשק זו הן כדלקמן: תותחי ה-Phalanx שבשימוש הצי הישראלי, פגזים קטנים המשמשים לתותחי ה-Gatling שבמסוקי ה-Apache, וה-GBU 28, אחד ממפוצצי המקלטים הידועים כ-bunker busters המיועדים לחדירה עמוקה של בטון תת-קרקעי מחוזק. יתכן גם אורניום בנשק אחרים, כגון בפצצות מצרר - cluster bombs.
קיימת גם דעה שישראל משתמשת ב"נטול אורניום" ליצירת נשק מקומית, כאשר מקור האורניום הוא פסולת הגרעינית מדימונה.
אין ספק שיש "יתרונות" לשימוש באורניום בנשק וכנשק. קודם כל, אספקתו הינה חינם ללא עלות או במחיר מינימאלי. בנוסף, היותו מתכת קשה מאד הופך אותו ליעיל ביותר בשדה הקרב. המתחרה היחיד כמתכת קשה הוא טאנגסטן אך יקר מאד ואין לו את התכונה של התפוצצות ספונטנית כמור אורניום. הוא חומר מאד רעיל אך הוא לא רדיו-אקטיבי. בין השימושים הרבים של "נטול אורניום" הוא שימושו כמגן המונע חדירה של טילים מכל מיני סוגים לשריון. הוא בעצמו מהווה חומר חדירה יעיל ביותר. ובנוסף הוא גם מבעיר ומתפוצץ באופן ספונטני בטמפרטורה יחסית נמוכה לנשק, 170 מעלות צלסיוס, וגורם לשריפות ונזק רב בעקבות ההתפוצצות המקורית של הנשק אשר ממנו הוא מהווה חלק בלתי- נפרד.
כשהאורניום מתפוצץ הוא הופך למסוכן עוד יותר. הוא מאבד בין 40-70% מגודלו המקורי ומתאדה לתוך האטמוספרה כחלקיקי-נאנו. חלקיקים אלה נכנסים לגוף האדם דרך הפה ומערכת הנשימה, וניתנים לספיגה דרך העור כתוצאה מגודלם המזערי. באותה עת הם חודרים לתוך המערכת האקולוגית: האוויר, המים והאדמה וכל אשר תלוי בהם, כגון החקלאות, העצים, הבהמות, הדגים וכו'. הגשם מנקה את האטמוספרה מחלקיקים אלו, אך מכניס אותם לתוך האדמה. חדירה זו מהווה את ההרעלה המתמשכת והבלתי-מבחינה ומהווה את הסכנה המתמשכת לבני- אדם וכו'.
מחקרים רבים כבר מראים שהאורניום בראש טראשונה גורם לסרטנים למיניהם, הוא גנוטוקסי (פוגע בגנים), ציטוטוקסי (מרעיל את התאים), מיוטוגני (יכול לגרום לשינוים בגנים לדורי דורות), טראטוגנטי -Teratogenicity (יכול להפריע להתפתחות הנורמלית של העובר) וניורוטוקסי (גורם לפגיות ברקמת העצמות). לכן ברור שהוא הגורם למספר רב של מחלות: מחלות סרטן למיניהן, שינויים גנטיים, פוריות פגומה, לידות של תינוקות מתים, עיוותי לידה, סכרת וכו'. הממצאים הרפואיים מזירות מלחמה של עיראק, בוסניה, ועזה בין היתר, אינם משאירים שום ספק לגבי התוצאות המחרידות והקטלניות של נשק זה. המאמר האחרון ב"הארץ" מנובמבר 24, 2009 חוזר על ממצא קודם של ירידה דרמטית בפוריות של גברים ישראלים, וכותב המאמר טוען שזו עובדה המזמינה חקירה. שכיחות כמה סוגים של סרטן בישראל מהווה שכיחות יתר מבחינה סטטיסטית. כתובות האינטרנט הבאות יספקו לך ולעוזריך כמה דוגמאות של מאמרים בנושא:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41
יש גם מאמר המסכם את המבחנים הניתנים לבצוע כדי להבחין ולגלות הרעלה ע"י "נטול אורניום". ממשלות אינן ממהרות לחשוף פגיעות אלו ולכן לא מעודדות, בלשון המעטה, ביצוע מבחנים אלה. נראה שישראל גם לא ביצעה מבחנים אלו. כתובת מאמר זה היא: http://www/truthout.org/1120097
לאור כל האמור לעיל, נראה שמתאים ואף הכרחי שאתה, כשר הבטחון, תחשוף לציבור הרחב את שיעור והמקומות של השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. אני ערה לכך וגם יודעת שבאופן היסטורי, החלטות לגבי שימוש בנשק היו בידי ה"מומחים". אך נשק זה, בגלל הסכנות המיידיות והממשיות שלו, דורש שיח ציבורי דחוף! הפרלמנט הבלגי החליט לאסור לא רק את השימוש בו אלה גם נוכחות נשק זה על אדמתה של בלגיה. הולנד הגיעה לאותה החלטה. ראה: http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html
יש צורך באותו שיח ציבורי בישראל. החלטות של קבוצה קטנה, אקסקלוסיבית, שהוקמה ע"י בחירה עצמית, אינן יכולות לקבוע שאלות של חיים ומוות עבור האוכלוסייה כולה. החלטות בשאלות הקשורות לשימוש בנשק זה מהוות הפעלת כוח שרירותית ואנטי-דמוקראטית בעליל. הפעלת כוח כזו חורגת מאמות המידה של מנהל תקין וגם של סמכות של קבוצה כזאת.
אמצעי-התקשורת וארגוני זכויות אדם ואף אנשי ממשל מאופיינים ע"י שתיקה רועמת בנושא זה. מצב זה הוא שאילץ אותי לכתוב אליך, ולקחת על עצמי להתחיל מסע ציבורי בנושא. למדינה המציגה את עצמה כדמוקראטית, יש חובה לספק לאזרחיה מידע מקיף, שיאפשר שיח ציבורי אם בכלל נשק זה הוא רצוי לאור אפיוניו. בין אם אנחנו אוהבים את זה ובין אם לאו, נושא זה באמת מהווה שאלה של חיים או מוות עבור אוכלוסיית מדינת ישראל כולה. אין הוא קשור לקונפליקט הישראלי-פלסטיני לכשעצמו. אכן, זו שאלה של הישרדות המין האנושי באזור. חלקיקים רדיו-אקטיביים אינם מבחינים בין יהודי וערבי, בין איש ואישה, בין אזרח וזר, בין ישראלי, ופלסטיני. לדאבוני הרב, אין זו הגזמה לתאר נשק זה כנשק משמיד עמים (genocidal weaponry) גם עבור מפעיליו וגם עבור קורבנותיו. זו סוגיה הנוגעת לכולנו, וזו הסיבה שרואה אני כאזרחית וכעו"ד כחובתי להאבק עבור בטחוננו.
אחכה לתשובתך בהקדם.
בתודה,
לינדה ברייר, עו"ד
lyndabrayer@yahoo.com
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 29/12/2009
At last we see a genuinely concerned Israeli Citizen asking questions of their government regarding the IDF’s use of weapons containing uranium components. Ms Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate is a well known Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist.
Historically Ms Brayer has represented Palestinians in the past and is appalled at the Israelis treatment of Palestinians in general and the ongoing illegal land grab in the West Bank.
Ms Brayer has written the following letter to the Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak and it is written in both English and Hebrew which I have decided to print for the benefit of any Israeli or Jewish readers.
It is important for the Israeli and Jewish communities to fully understand that when the Government authorized the use of these weapons it was also allowing IDF forces to become contaminated themselves and also the entire population of Israel i.e.” Israel Nuked Itself.”
The bulk of the weapons used were imported from the US under the existing agreement between the US and Israel which reads as follow:
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program is that part of Security Assistance
authorized by the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and conducted using formal contracts or agreements between the United States Government (USG) and an authorized foreign purchaser.
These contracts, called Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), are signed by both the USG and the purchasing Government or international organization; and provide for the sale of defense articles and/or defense services (to include training) usually from Department of Defense (DoD) stocks or through purchase under DoD-managed contracts. As with all Security Assistance, the FMS program supports United States (U.S.) foreign policy and national security objectives.
WHO MAY PURCHASE USING THE FMS PROGRAM
Presidential Determination. Defense articles and/or services may be sold or leased to
a country or international organization only if the President, in accordance with AECA makes a determination that the prospective purchaser is eligible.
The first priority of the US Criteria is the furnishing of defense articles and defense services to such country or international organization that strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;
I have intentionally underlined the fact that the President of the United States is the ultimate authority in allowing the export of such weapon, knowing fully their capability and application. In this context the past and current President and the US Government would be implicated in any future war crimes tribunals. The same would also apply to any past or current British Prime Minister and the Government of the United Kingdom.
It should also be noted that under this agreement a large supply of around 1,000 units of GBU-39 was shipped to Israel immediately prior to “Cast Lead” as per the following
WASHINGTON, September 9, 2008 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $77 million.
The UK also provide software and hardware to Israel such as tank components, attack helicopter components and engines for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s) etc, all of which delivered the weapons concerned.
It should also be noted that certain concerned were raised in the US Congress as to if the shipment of such weapons was in violation of the US Arms Export Control Act when In January 2009, Congressman Dennis Kucinich sent notice to Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, that Israel’s actions in Gaza since December 27th, 2008 may constitute a violation of the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act. When the President is aware of the possibility of such violations, the AECA requires a report to Congress on the potential violation(s). Needless to say a suitable response was not forthcoming…….I wonder why?
In addition to the above shipment just prior to the Israeli onslaught the following Transmittal Notice was processed through the US Congress namely:
Defense Security Cooperation Agency
Transmittal No. 08-83 Israel - F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft
WASHINGTON, September 29, 2008 – On September 26, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $15.2 billion. The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of an initial 25 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft with an option to purchase at a later date an additional 50 F-35 CTOL or Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. All aircraft will be configured with either the Pratt and Whitney F-135 engines or General Electric-Rolls Royce F-136 engines. Our policy has been to promote Middle East peace, support Israeli commitment to peace with other regional Arab countries, enhance regional stability, and promote Israeli readiness and self-sufficiency. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. Israel needs these aircraft to augment its present operational inventory and to enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability. Israel will have no difficulty.
absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces. The proposed sale will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
What is ironic about the whole programme are the huge sums of money in military aid that is sent to Israel under the carefully chosen words: “That strengthens the security of the United States and promote world peace;” One could hardly state that this has any connection with world peace but rather the opposite…..this has a direct link with the instability in and around the entire Middle East. One can draw our own conclusions as to why Syria and Iran support Gaza and the Palestinian cause.
One thing that never changes is the fact that the “Battle of the Crusades” continues on in the minds of the G8 countries with the total support of Christian and Jewish Zionists. It is painfully obvious that there has never been a road map for peace. The only way that the Palestinians will break free and gain “Full Sovereignty” and at the same time define their own international borders (both onshore and offshore) is by dealing directly with the United Nations, UNCLOS and the International Court of Justice.
It is also imperative that the above authorities stop all offshore activities by the US and Israeli oil/gas companies until such time as the above has been completed and the true identity/location of the oil/gas fields and who owns them is defined.
Now that everyone has a clear understanding of the backdrop behind this ongoing conflict and that its all to do with natural resources lets now introduce those two most wonderful letters from Ms Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate (Israeli Human Rights Lawyer and Political Activist) to the current Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak. The letter is printed in both English and Hebrew so that the Israeli and Jewish community can fully understand that their country and its inhabitants have been or continue to be contaminated from the current weapons being used by the IDF. One must also appreciate that not all weapons come from the US…many of these evil weapons are being made in Israel by IMI…..they are also tested locally and fired during IDF exercises. This only adds more contamination to Israel, its citizens, its land, crops, water and eco systems. I would like to thank Ms Brayer for allowing me to print these letters as per below. Reader can copy and paste into a word document, enlarge and read:
Rehov Hazionut 43
Haifa
email: lyndabrayer@yahoo.com
December 1, 2009
Israeli Minister of Defense, MK Ehud Barak
Ministry of Defense
Hakiriya
Tel Aviv 64734
By registered mail
Dear Minister Barak:
Re: Uranium weaponry used by the IDF: is the Promised Land becoming the Poisoned Land?
I am writing this letter in several capacities: as an Israeli citizen, a mother and grandmother of Israeli children and grandchildren, a political activist and a lawyer who has specialized in the fields of international law and the laws of war. I am presuming, on the strength of our shared humanity, that your concerns are similar, if not identical to mine, as you too are a citizen of Israel, a politician, a father and a family man. However, your military and administrative qualifications, resulting from a long history of public service, including your tenure as Chief of Staff of the IDF, and up to and including your present post as Minister of Defence, impose upon you the burdens of knowledge, care and responsibility for the public at large. I have neither your knowledge nor your responsibility, and it is for these reasons that I am turning to you to open up the discussion on weaponry and armour containing uranium used by the IDF.
The government has never announced that it has uranium component weapons, nor has it announced that it has used them. However, at least since the war in Lebanon in 2006, the question of the use by the IDF of weaponry containing uranium keeps surfacing in the news, although I suspect that they have been in use prior to that date, based on the fact of the close co-operation between the US and Israel. The evidence so far gathered shows that the IDF used such uranium weapons in Lebanon (2006) and also in Gaza during “Operation Cast Lead”, just prior to which a shipment of such weaponry arrived in Israel from the US. Samples of both soil and air filters, obtained from Lebanon and Gaza were tested in England. They revealed the presence of both depleted and enriched uranium, indicating the possible use of fourth generation weaponry. In addition, many unexploded weapons were found in both Lebanon and Gaza, and in some cases, with the ID plates still intact. This evidence would suggest that such weapons are an integral part of the Israeli arsenal, and therefore require storage and are in use for IDF training. Further indications of IDF use of these weapons is its integration into NATO and its joint exercises with US forces, both of which have these weapons in their arsenals.
If this is the case, and I believe all the evidence points in this direction, then the Israeli population, not to mention the Palestinian population, has been, and continues to be exposed to dangers hitherto absent from theatres of war. These weapons pose three chief hazards to human health: their chemical toxicity, radioactivity and the effets of fine metal particles, or fumes. They are therefore dangerous at all times – contaminating human beings both when in storage and in use, in different degrees. Conventional explosives, such as TNT, are inert until detonation, and when inert, pose no danger to human beings and the surroundings. They perform their function on detonation and with detonation they self-destruct. Their effects are limited to a specific target, or targets, and thus are limited in both space and time. In contrast, uranium-based weaponry is lethal all the times: before, during and after detonation, both in the short run and in the long run. These weapons are never, ever inert because there is no such physical state of “inert” radioactive uranium or an inert toxicity– this would be a contradiction in terms. Furthermore the radioactivity and toxicity have a synergistic effect – each heightening the other's effects. Radioactivity acts as an infinite series of offensive, indiscriminate, exploding weapons, the effects of which are continuous and never-ending. The damage caused by DU is indiscriminate: when detonated, targets are hit but the fall-out effect is uncontrolled, uncontrollable and pervasive. This characteristic alone should place them in the category of prohibited weapons. Although they are categorized as “conventional” weapons, their radioactive and chemical toxicity and pervasiveness demands that they fall into the category of nuclear weapons, a categorization which would automatically prohibit their use. Only political pressures, mainly from the US, have prevented such re-categorization which is a fact worth keeping in mind.
These weapons are inaccurately called “depleted uranium” weapons, because they employ uranium from which the uranium isotope U-235 has been “depleted”. U-235 is used, as you know, for the production of what are called nuclear weapons. The uranium ore remaining after the extraction of nearly all of the U-235, consists mainly of the isotope U-238 which is a radioactive metal emitting low level radiation (LLR) having a half life of 4.5 billion years! This isotope is much more stable than U-235 but it is not safe for human beings. No uranium is safe for human beings precisely because of its radioactivity! People who work in uranium mines suffer from that cluster of illnesses associated with uranium weaponry.
This weaponry includes the following items: the Phalanx gun and Harpoon missiles as used by the Israeli navy; an array of missiles, bombs and shells such the Hellfire missiles and the GBU -28, or “bunker busters” used by Israeli fighter aircraft, the Apache helicopters, and drones. It is believed that Israel has now fitted the Harpoon missile with a nuclear warhead. It is believed that Israel also uses “depleted” uranium in its own weapons production, coming from the nuclear waste produced in Dimona.
The attraction of “depleted” uranium as a hard metal for weapons manufacturers and armies is that it is provided either gratis or at a very low cost, its source being nuclear waste. Its only competition in terms of hardness is tungsten, which is extremely expensive, and is also extremely toxic, but not radioactive. “Depleted” uranium has multiple benefits and uses: it can serve as a “protective” shield preventing the penetration of missiles and rockets into armoured vehicles such as tanks; it serves as a penetrator itself; and it is an incendiary, igniting spontaneously at the low temperature of 170 Celsius, causing fires and tremendous damage following the initial explosion of the weapons of which it is a part.
When this uranium does ignite it becomes especially dangerous. It loses between 40–70% of its original size and evaporates into radioactive nano-particles into the atmosphere. These nano-particles can then be ingested, absorbed and inhaled by human beings while at the same time they invade the ecosystem: the air, the water, the soil and all that is dependent on them, such as agriculture. They can be rained out of the atmosphere but this merely transfers the problem from air to land. This is the continuing indiscriminate contamination caused by this weaponry. Numerous laboratory studies have documented that uranium is genotoxic (capable of damaging DNA), cytotoxic (poisonous to cells), mutagenic (capable of inducing mutations), teratogenic (capable of interfering with normal embryonic development) and neurotoxic (capable of harming nerve tissue), and is the cause of a multitude of illnesses: cancers, genetic mutations, reproductive dysfunction, still-births and birth deformations, diabetes, etc. The medical findings in the war arenas of Iraq, Bosnia, Gaza amongst others, leave no doubt as to the horrific and lethal effects of such weaponry. The latest report in Haaretz of November 24th, 2009 repeats a previously released report of a dramatic drop in the fertility of Israeli men, which the report says must be investigated. The incidence of certain cancers in Israel compared to its neighbours is statistically significantly higher. The following urls will provide you and your staff with a sample of articles on this subject:
.http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41
This latest article provides a summary of the testing available to detect DU contamination, which governments do not seem to be using precisely because it will show up the contamination and damage caused by DU. It is my understanding that Israel has not done any such testing.
http://www.truthout.org/1120097
In the light of all the above, it seems both appropriate and necesssary for you to make public the extent of the uranium-based weaponry and armoured vehicles used by the IDF. I am aware and understand that, historically, such decisions have been left to the “experts”. But this weaponry, because of its present and actual dangers, require strenuous oversight and supervision. After much public discussion and review, the parliament of Belgium voted to prohibit such weapons from Belgian soil, let alone just their use. The Netherlands has just taken a similar decision:
http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html
Such discussion is what is needed in Israel. It is contrary to the ethos of democracy that a very small, exclusive and self-chosen group of people takes upon itself arbitrary powers to determine the central questions of life, death, disease and radioactive contamination of Israeli society, the environs and the region. Such power is far beyond the both mandates and competence of such individuals.
The local media and human rights groups are noted for their deafening silence on this issue, a situation which has led me to take it upon myself to write to you and to begin a public campaign. As a democracy, Israelis must be provided with sufficient information so that they may be allowed to decide whether or not to include such weaponry in the IDF's arsenals, taking into consideration the fact that these weapons poison the eco-system making the country uninhabitable. Whether we like it or not, this issue is truly a matter of life or death for the State of Israel. It is not connected to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict per se. It is, rather, a question of species survival. The radioactive particles do not distinguish between Jews and Arabs, males and females, citizens and foreigners, Israelis and Palestinians. Unfortunately, I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the use of such weaponry is genocidal both for the perpetrators and for the victims. This issue concerns us all, which is why I consider it my duty as a citizen and a lawyer, to struggle for our protection.
I look forward to your response as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Lynda Brayer, BA, LL.B., Advocate
cc.
Prime Minister and Minister of Health Benjamin Netanyahu
Director General Ministry of Health
Israel Medical Association et al.
This same letter is in Hebrew as per below:
לכב'
שר הבטחון, מר אהוד ברק
משרד הבטחון
הקריה,
תל אביב
דצמבר 2, 2009
א.נ.,
הנדון: שימוש בנשק הכוללת אורניום ע"י צה"ל– האם הארץ המובטחת הופכת לארץ המורעלת?
אני כותבת שורות אלו כאזרחית ישראלית, כאם וכסבתא לילדים ונכדים ישראלים, כפעילה פוליטית וכעו"ד המתמחה בתחומי המשפט הבינלאומי ודיני מלחמה. על בסיס אנושיותנו המשותפת, אני מאמינה שאנו חולקים דאגות דומות ואף זהות, כיוון שגם אתה אזרח ישראלי, פעיל פוליטי כפוליטיקאי, אב ואיש משפחה. אולם, כישוריך הצבאיים והמנהליים, תוצאת שירותך רב השנים הכולל את תפקידך כרמטכ"ל בצבא, ועד עצם כהונתך היום כשר בטחון, מטילים עליך את אחריות לרווחת הציבור הרחב. אין לי לא את המידע שעומד לרשותך, לא את מיומנותך ולא את האחריות שעליך. מסיבות אלו אני פונה אליך לפתוח את השיח בעניין השימוש בנשק הכולל אורניום אשר בשימוש צה"ל.
הממשלה לא הודיעה שיש לישראל סוג נשק זה, וגם לא הודיעה שהיה שימוש בו. אך, לפחות מאז מלחמת לבנון ב-2006, הועלתה ההשערה באמצעי-התקשורת העולמי על השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. דעתי האישית היא שאכן נעשה שימוש בנשק זו אפילו קודם לכן, וזאת בגלל התיאום והקשרים הצבאיים ההדוקים בין ישראל וארה"ב. מה גם, שזמן קצר לפני המלחמה, הגיע משלוח של נשק הכוללת אורניום לישראל מארה"ב. כבר נמצאו ראיות בשטח המראות שנעשה שימוש בנשק זו גם בלבנון ב-2006 וגם בעזה במבצע "עופרת יצוקה". בדגימות של אדמה וממסנני אוויר של אמבולנסים, שנלקחו מזירות מלחמה אלו, ונבדקו במעבדת הארוול שבאנגליה, נמצאו גם "נטול" אורניום וגם אורניום מועשר, המראים על אפשרות שהיה שימוש בנשק מהדור הרביעי ז.א. נשק מאד משובח. יש זו רק דוגמה אחת ןיש אחרות. בנוסף, נמצאה בלבנון ובעזה נשק שלא התפוצץ, כשבמספר מקרים הסימון המזהה עדיין היה עליו. ראיות אלו מרמזות שנשק זה הוא חלק בלתי נפרד ממחסן הנשק של ישראל. נשק זה, אם כך, מאוחסן על ידי צה"ל ואף נמצא בשימוש בתרגיליו. רמזים נוספים לשימוש בנשק זה עולים מהפעולות ותרגילים הצבאיים המשולבים של צה"ל עם נאט"ו ועם ארה"ב, כאשר שניהם משתמשים בנשק הכולל אורניום.
אם אכן זה המצב לאשורו, הרי שגם האוכלוסיה הישראלית וגם זו הפלסטינית היו ועודן חשופות לסכנות קטלניות שקודם לכן נעדרו מזירות מלחמה! בנשק זה טמונים שלושה סוגים של סכנה לבני אדם: הרעלה כימית, רדיו-אקטיביות וחלקיקי מתכת זעירים. כתוצאה מכך, הנשק הזה הוא מסוכן בכל עת: גם באחסון וגם בשימוש בצורות שונות. נשק קונוונציונאלי הכולל טנ"ט, (TNT) אינו פעיל עד שמפוצצים אותו. ז.א. הוא חומר אינרטי ולכן אינו מסוכן לא לבני אדם ולא לסביבה. האיחוסן שלו אינו מהווה בעיה. הנשק ממלא את תפקו עם התפוצצותו ובאותה עת הנשק עובר הרס עצמי ונגמר. התוצאות וההשפעות מוגבלות למטרות מסוימות, וע"י כך הן מוגבלות בזמן ובמקום.
בניגוד לכך, נשק הכולל אורניום הינו מסוכן בכל עת: לפני, תוך כדי ולאחר התפוצצות: באחסון, משך תרגילים, בשדה הקרב ולאחר מכן, בטווח הקצר ובטווח הארוך. נשק זו אף פעם אינו בלתי-פעיל או אינרטי כיוון שרדיו-אקטיביות ורעילות הן תכונות פעילות מתמדות ובלתי-פוסקות. שתי תכונות אלו משפיעות אחת על השנייה בצורה סינרגסטית, כלומר, תכונה אחת מגבירה את אפקט של השנייה. רדיו-אקטיביות פועלת כסדרה מתמשכת של התפוצצויות פוגעות וחסרות אבחנה, שתוצאותיה נמשכות ואינן מסתיימות. האורניום גורם לנזק ללא אבחנה: לאחר פגיע ביעדים, הנפולת, שהיא כוללת חלקיקים זעירים ביותר, אינה נשלטת, ואינה ניתנת לשליטה, ומתפשטת בכפוף לתנאי מזג האוויר. אפיון זה בלבד מהווה סיבה מספיקת לאסור על השימוש בנשק זה. למרות שנשק זה מסווג כנשק קונוונציונאלי, הרדיו-אקטיביות והרעילות שלו והתפשטותו דורשים שיסווג כנשק גרעיני, סיווג שבאופן אוטומטי היה אוסר על שימושו (לפי האמנות הקיימות). אך רק לחצים פוליטיים, ז.א. לחץ כוחני לא ענייני, בעיקר מצד ארה"ב, מונעים סיווג זה, עובדה שכדאי לזכורה.
השם נשק "נטול אורניום" איננו מדויק. למרות שנטלו מהאורניום את האיזוטופ u-235 (ככל שאפשר) לצורך ייצור נשק גרעיני, כלומר פצצות גרעיניות, עופרת האורניום שנשארת לאחר הליך זה כולל בעיקר את האיזוטופ u-238 שהוא עופרת בעלת רדיו-אקטיבית נמוכה יותר מזו של u-235, הידועה כ-LLR שאורך חצי חייו הוא 4.7 ביליון שנה! איזוטופ זה הרבה יותר יציב מאשר האיזוטופ u-235 אך הוא קטלני לבני אדם. שום סוג של אורניום אינו בלתי מזיק לבני אדם בשום מצב כלשהו. כורים העובדים במכרות אורניום סובלים מאותו מכלול מחלות הקשור לנשק המכיל אורניום.
דוגמאות לנשק זו הן כדלקמן: תותחי ה-Phalanx שבשימוש הצי הישראלי, פגזים קטנים המשמשים לתותחי ה-Gatling שבמסוקי ה-Apache, וה-GBU 28, אחד ממפוצצי המקלטים הידועים כ-bunker busters המיועדים לחדירה עמוקה של בטון תת-קרקעי מחוזק. יתכן גם אורניום בנשק אחרים, כגון בפצצות מצרר - cluster bombs.
קיימת גם דעה שישראל משתמשת ב"נטול אורניום" ליצירת נשק מקומית, כאשר מקור האורניום הוא פסולת הגרעינית מדימונה.
אין ספק שיש "יתרונות" לשימוש באורניום בנשק וכנשק. קודם כל, אספקתו הינה חינם ללא עלות או במחיר מינימאלי. בנוסף, היותו מתכת קשה מאד הופך אותו ליעיל ביותר בשדה הקרב. המתחרה היחיד כמתכת קשה הוא טאנגסטן אך יקר מאד ואין לו את התכונה של התפוצצות ספונטנית כמור אורניום. הוא חומר מאד רעיל אך הוא לא רדיו-אקטיבי. בין השימושים הרבים של "נטול אורניום" הוא שימושו כמגן המונע חדירה של טילים מכל מיני סוגים לשריון. הוא בעצמו מהווה חומר חדירה יעיל ביותר. ובנוסף הוא גם מבעיר ומתפוצץ באופן ספונטני בטמפרטורה יחסית נמוכה לנשק, 170 מעלות צלסיוס, וגורם לשריפות ונזק רב בעקבות ההתפוצצות המקורית של הנשק אשר ממנו הוא מהווה חלק בלתי- נפרד.
כשהאורניום מתפוצץ הוא הופך למסוכן עוד יותר. הוא מאבד בין 40-70% מגודלו המקורי ומתאדה לתוך האטמוספרה כחלקיקי-נאנו. חלקיקים אלה נכנסים לגוף האדם דרך הפה ומערכת הנשימה, וניתנים לספיגה דרך העור כתוצאה מגודלם המזערי. באותה עת הם חודרים לתוך המערכת האקולוגית: האוויר, המים והאדמה וכל אשר תלוי בהם, כגון החקלאות, העצים, הבהמות, הדגים וכו'. הגשם מנקה את האטמוספרה מחלקיקים אלו, אך מכניס אותם לתוך האדמה. חדירה זו מהווה את ההרעלה המתמשכת והבלתי-מבחינה ומהווה את הסכנה המתמשכת לבני- אדם וכו'.
מחקרים רבים כבר מראים שהאורניום בראש טראשונה גורם לסרטנים למיניהם, הוא גנוטוקסי (פוגע בגנים), ציטוטוקסי (מרעיל את התאים), מיוטוגני (יכול לגרום לשינוים בגנים לדורי דורות), טראטוגנטי -Teratogenicity (יכול להפריע להתפתחות הנורמלית של העובר) וניורוטוקסי (גורם לפגיות ברקמת העצמות). לכן ברור שהוא הגורם למספר רב של מחלות: מחלות סרטן למיניהן, שינויים גנטיים, פוריות פגומה, לידות של תינוקות מתים, עיוותי לידה, סכרת וכו'. הממצאים הרפואיים מזירות מלחמה של עיראק, בוסניה, ועזה בין היתר, אינם משאירים שום ספק לגבי התוצאות המחרידות והקטלניות של נשק זה. המאמר האחרון ב"הארץ" מנובמבר 24, 2009 חוזר על ממצא קודם של ירידה דרמטית בפוריות של גברים ישראלים, וכותב המאמר טוען שזו עובדה המזמינה חקירה. שכיחות כמה סוגים של סרטן בישראל מהווה שכיחות יתר מבחינה סטטיסטית. כתובות האינטרנט הבאות יספקו לך ולעוזריך כמה דוגמאות של מאמרים בנושא:
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=newsHighlights&newsId=41
יש גם מאמר המסכם את המבחנים הניתנים לבצוע כדי להבחין ולגלות הרעלה ע"י "נטול אורניום". ממשלות אינן ממהרות לחשוף פגיעות אלו ולכן לא מעודדות, בלשון המעטה, ביצוע מבחנים אלה. נראה שישראל גם לא ביצעה מבחנים אלו. כתובת מאמר זה היא: http://www/truthout.org/1120097
לאור כל האמור לעיל, נראה שמתאים ואף הכרחי שאתה, כשר הבטחון, תחשוף לציבור הרחב את שיעור והמקומות של השימוש בנשק זה ע"י צה"ל. אני ערה לכך וגם יודעת שבאופן היסטורי, החלטות לגבי שימוש בנשק היו בידי ה"מומחים". אך נשק זה, בגלל הסכנות המיידיות והממשיות שלו, דורש שיח ציבורי דחוף! הפרלמנט הבלגי החליט לאסור לא רק את השימוש בו אלה גם נוכחות נשק זה על אדמתה של בלגיה. הולנד הגיעה לאותה החלטה. ראה: http://www.bandepleteduranium.org/en/a/302.html
יש צורך באותו שיח ציבורי בישראל. החלטות של קבוצה קטנה, אקסקלוסיבית, שהוקמה ע"י בחירה עצמית, אינן יכולות לקבוע שאלות של חיים ומוות עבור האוכלוסייה כולה. החלטות בשאלות הקשורות לשימוש בנשק זה מהוות הפעלת כוח שרירותית ואנטי-דמוקראטית בעליל. הפעלת כוח כזו חורגת מאמות המידה של מנהל תקין וגם של סמכות של קבוצה כזאת.
אמצעי-התקשורת וארגוני זכויות אדם ואף אנשי ממשל מאופיינים ע"י שתיקה רועמת בנושא זה. מצב זה הוא שאילץ אותי לכתוב אליך, ולקחת על עצמי להתחיל מסע ציבורי בנושא. למדינה המציגה את עצמה כדמוקראטית, יש חובה לספק לאזרחיה מידע מקיף, שיאפשר שיח ציבורי אם בכלל נשק זה הוא רצוי לאור אפיוניו. בין אם אנחנו אוהבים את זה ובין אם לאו, נושא זה באמת מהווה שאלה של חיים או מוות עבור אוכלוסיית מדינת ישראל כולה. אין הוא קשור לקונפליקט הישראלי-פלסטיני לכשעצמו. אכן, זו שאלה של הישרדות המין האנושי באזור. חלקיקים רדיו-אקטיביים אינם מבחינים בין יהודי וערבי, בין איש ואישה, בין אזרח וזר, בין ישראלי, ופלסטיני. לדאבוני הרב, אין זו הגזמה לתאר נשק זה כנשק משמיד עמים (genocidal weaponry) גם עבור מפעיליו וגם עבור קורבנותיו. זו סוגיה הנוגעת לכולנו, וזו הסיבה שרואה אני כאזרחית וכעו"ד כחובתי להאבק עבור בטחוננו.
אחכה לתשובתך בהקדם.
בתודה,
לינדה ברייר, עו"ד
lyndabrayer@yahoo.com
Peter Eyre - Middle East Consultant 29/12/2009
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