Wars have always left an indelible mark on humanity, not only in terms of lives lost but also in their far-reaching impact on the environment. From the trenches of World War I to the devastating aftermath of the atomic bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II, the ecological consequences of armed conflicts linger for generations. The ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestine have a negative impact on the environment and human lives in the modern world. White phosphorus is one of the explosive materials that have been used extensively during the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has raised questions about the possible environmental effects.
Given the ongoing nature of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, it is critical to acknowledge the complex effects of military operations that go beyond the immediate tragedy of casualties. The use of explosive materials like T4 has had a global impact on the environment, exacerbating climate change and ecological degradation. Recognizing the relationship between conflict and environmental health is essential to developing a thorough grasp of the true cost of war, which goes well beyond the battlefield and has a long-lasting impact on the planet we all share.
There have been many different kinds of explosive materials used in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; one prominent example is phosphorus-based munitions. There is increasing concern about these explosives’ secondary effects on the environment, especially the climate, despite the fact that their direct effects on infrastructure and human lives have been well-documented.
The use of chemical weapons, especially those that contain compounds containing phosphorus, can have detrimental effects on the environment and human health, possibly even affecting the climate. Chemical reactions involving the release of phosphorus-based compounds into the atmosphere can result in the formation of phosphorus oxides, including phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10). These substances have the potential to increase particulate matter and air pollution, which can have a negative impact on respiratory health and exacerbate climate-related issues. Furthermore, burning phosphorus releases a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which is a contributing factor to global warming and the greenhouse gas effect. In addition to posing direct risks to human life, the release of phosphorus compounds during chemical warfare introduces substances into the atmosphere that may exacerbate the more general environmental problems brought on by climate change.
According to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, Israel has been using explosives in the Gaza Strip for a long time. Since October 7, the country has used 25,000 tonnes of explosives, which is more destructive than two nuclear bombs. To put this into perspective, 15,000 tonnes of high explosives were released by the infamous Little Boy nuclear bomb on Hiroshima during World War II, completely destroying everything in a one-mile radius. In addition to the immediate destruction of infrastructure and human lives, the continuous explosion of explosives raises grave concerns about the long-term effects on the environment. Massive emissions of pollutants and particulate matter into the atmosphere, similar to the fallout from nuclear explosions, have the potential to significantly alter patterns of climate.
The environmental fallout from such explosive events can last for decades, as history has demonstrated with the effects of atomic bombings. This highlights the urgent need for an extensive assessment of the environmental cost and the necessity of international efforts to reduce both the short- and long-term effects on human life and the environment.
Because of their incendiary qualities, phosphorus-based weapons are frequently employed, but they also endanger human health and the environment. Phosphorus combustion releases harmful compounds into the atmosphere, which aggravates respiratory conditions and air pollution. In addition, concerns concerning phosphorus’s long-term effects on ecosystems are brought up by the element’s environmental persistence in soil and water systems.
Large amounts of pollutants and particulate matter are released into the atmosphere when explosive materials detonate in conflict areas. This may cause a “explosive debris cloud” to form, which could have wider climatic effects. The atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki provide historical examples where the release of particulates had measurable effects on local climate patterns.
When explosives are used extensively, ecosystems and vegetation are destroyed. This increases the problems brought on by climate change by causing a decrease in carbon sinks as well as the loss of biodiversity. Debris from explosions enters the soil and alters its fertility and composition. Long-term effects include disturbed farming practices, which present difficulties for communities reliant on the land for their subsistence.
The 2022 United Nations (UN) Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, more commonly known as “COP27”, wrapped up in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Nations gathered at the conference to discuss ways to lessen the harsh effects of climate change by promoting cutting-edge technologies and renewable energy sources while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. As the world community concentrates on these important debates, it is imperative to highlight the significant effects of climate change in particular areas, most notably Palestine’s Gaza Strip.
The environmental problems in Gaza are made worse by the fallout from military operations, which included the dropping of thousands of tons of bombs, missiles, and explosives that contained toxic and dangerous materials. The region has been permanently altered by these actions, which pose major risks to the ecosystem and the well-being of the local population. The problems that the people of Gaza face are made worse by the aerial application of chemical pesticides close to the perimeter fence separating Gaza and Israel as well as the regular leveling and demolition of Palestinian farmland by Israeli bulldozers. It is critical to take into account the unique and pressing environmental issues that Gaza and other conflict-affected areas are facing as the international community tackles climate change on a larger scale. Comprehensive solutions that address the short- and long-term effects of environmental degradation in conflict zones must also be worked toward.
Explosive materials in conflict zones have an impact on the environment that must be addressed from multiple angles. In order to emphasize the need of responsible warfare and long-term conflict resolution, international bodies and conventions must actively monitor and regulate the use of such munitions.
Examining and mitigating the environmental effects of explosive materials used in conflict zones—especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—is imperative. The ramifications of phosphorus-based weapons on climate change highlight the necessity of implementing ethical military tactics and pursuing peaceful resolutions to lessen the long-term impacts on the environment and humankind. Comprehending the ecological aftermath of armed conflicts is crucial for a sustainable and peaceful future, particularly as the global community struggles with the urgency of environmental issues.
Global peace promotion is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and healthy environment, as well as being morally required for human well-being. Armed conflicts frequently have catastrophic environmental effects within the interwoven web of geopolitical relationships. Conflicts have a substantial impact on environmental degradation through the use of destructive weapons, population displacement, and ecosystem disruption. In addition to its immediate detrimental effects, war has long-term environmental effects that could exacerbate global climate change. Through the promotion of a culture of peace, countries can reallocate resources away from military projects to cooperative initiatives targeted at mitigating climate change. Peace and environmental harmony are interdependent, and placing more emphasis on diplomacy and conflict resolution than on armed confrontation not only protects human lives but also lays the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable planet.

Ayaz Rauf is a dedicated student pursuing studies in Soil and Environmental Sciences. Currently serving as a Research Associate, he is actively involved in a project focused on the "Assessment of Iodine Status and its Association with Goiter."