ICBUW broadly welcomes the decision by the IAEA to investigate the alleged use of uranium weapons by Israel in Gaza after concerns were expressed by several Arab governments.

It appears that the response was triggered by media reports from Iranian Press TV and other regional outlets suggesting that uranium weapons had been used. These speculative reports contained little in the way of evidence to support these claims.

However, the only way to conclude for certain whether uranium weapons have been used is to analyse the locations that they are alleged to have been used in. To date ICBUW has seen no evidence to support claims that DU has been used during the recent conflict.

In particular, claims that GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs contain DU have not stood up to close scrutiny (see related article below for more analysis). In addition, Israel's 105mm KE Merkava tank rounds - manufactured by Israeli Military Industries - are apparently made from tungsten: Israeli tanks would have had little use for KE rounds as Hamas do not field armoured vehicles. It is likely that high explosive and the controversial flechette rounds would have been used instead.

ICBUW has made contact with humanitarian organisations working in Gaza and we hope that these new contacts will prove useful in determining whether either DU or tungsten-based DIME munitions have been used.

An investigation by Channel 4 News in the UK revealed footage of the use of DIME munitions, flechette munitions and White Phosphorous. To view the package visit the following link: http://tinyurl.com/as5ufx

International Context

Whatever the result of the UN's investigation in Gaza, the speed at which Arab governments responded to concerns over DU use suggests that the use of uranium weapons in civilian areas is increasingly understood to be highly controversial.

This growing international awareness of the problem should be emphasized in our campaigning work and is in part a product of the successful work on the issue at the United Nations and in other fora.

In this regard, it is also noteworthy that investigating the alleged use of DU in Gaza will bring the IAEA face-to-face with one of its fundamental missions: to check and hinder the use of uranium for military purposes.

Finally, although the media's coverage on the use of indiscriminate weapons was to a certain degree a product of their being excluded from Gaza; increased scrutiny of the methods and means of warfare employed in modern conflicts is to be welcomed.

See also

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  International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons

  Statement on Israel’s attack on Gaza

  ICBUW is deeply concerned over the ongoing humanitarian crisis triggered by Israel’s attack on Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians caught up by the conflict. ICBUW condemns the overwhelming use of force in a crowded civilian environment.

  6 January 2009 - ICBUW