Israel is Accused of Dumping Nuclear Waste in Palestinian Territories, Causing Health Crisis

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Israel has been accused of dumping nuclear waste in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Hebron region of the West Bank, leading to high rates of cancer, disabilities and deformities among the local population.

According to research, the town of Yatta in the Hebron governorate is contaminated with radioactive caesium-137 and uranium, with some of the highest concentrations found globally. Caesium-137 is a product of nuclear fission and can contaminate the environment through spent nuclear fuel, accidents, and leakages from reactors. The aging Dimona nuclear reactor in Israel, one of the largest in the Middle East, is suspected to be a key source.

Villagers in the Hebron area have reported seeing Israeli trucks burying barrels and whole trucks filled with waste in caves and mountains, which they believe contain dangerous nuclear materials. Israel prevents Palestinian environmental inspectors and international experts from accessing these suspected dumping grounds.