Israeli crops contaminated by chemicals from military explosions in Gaza
Local produce in Israel has been found contaminated with hazardous chemicals originating from army explosions during the ongoing two-year military operation in Gaza, according to a recent comprehensive study. This investigation was carried out by a collaborative team of experts from Hebrew University, the Ministry of Health, the Volcani Institute, and the Southern Arava Agricultural Research Organisation.
The study uncovered the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)—a group of synthetic, highly persistent chemicals—in potatoes collected from numerous fields located near the Gaza border. These “forever chemicals” are known for their resistance to environmental degradation and heat, making them exceptionally difficult to eliminate from both ecosystems and the human body.
Further alarming findings revealed PFAS contamination not only in soil but also in water wells up to 19 kilometers away from Gaza. The researchers propose that these toxic substances were likely dispersed by wind currents, carrying chemical residues from explosives detonated in Gaza onto adjacent farmland. This highlights a significant and often overlooked environmental consequence of the prolonged conflict.
PFAS exposure has been associated with serious health risks, including damage to reproductive and immune systems, developmental problems in fetuses, and an elevated risk of certain cancers. In Israel, the issue is widespread: approximately 15 percent of drinking water wells and 70 percent of water sources used for agriculture have detectable PFAS residues. This contamination has already forced the closure of several major water wells across the country, raising concerns about long-term public health and food safety.
