The Environmental Cost of Zionist Genocide in Gaza

TEHRAN (Defapress) - The results of a joint study by American and British researchers on the environmental dimensions of the genocidal catastrophe in Gaza indicate severe damage inflicted on the entire planet since the beginning of Israel’s aggression. The research shows that the greenhouse gases produced by the Israeli military exceed those of 100 other countries individually, and its warmongering has exacerbated the Earth's climate emergency.

The study’s findings reveal that the destruction, clearing, and potential reconstruction of Gaza collectively emit over 31 million tons of carbon dioxide. In contrast, Hamas rocket fire has resulted in only 3,000 tons of CO₂ emissions (equivalent to 0.2% of the total greenhouse gases produced in the war), with the rest being directly attributable to the Israeli military.

The sudden surge in greenhouse gas emissions will lead to climate chaos, deadly weather changes, and the forced displacement of millions in West Asia. Among these regions, the Persian Gulf is one of the world’s most vulnerable to climate change, with severe droughts, desertification, extreme heat, erratic rainfall, food insecurity, and water shortages predicted for its countries due to the sharp rise in CO₂ emissions in the region.

This report is the third and most comprehensive study by British and American researchers and part of a growing movement holding governments accountable for the long-term environmental, water, and food production damages caused by war and occupation. The researchers estimate that the environmental costs and climate bill of the Israeli military’s actions in the war against Gaza, as well as its exchanges of fire with Yemen’s Ansar Allah, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, equate to charging 2.6 billion smartphones for a year.

Astrid Puentes, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, stated: "This research underscores the urgent need to halt escalating violence and ensure Israel complies with the rulings of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Whether we call Israel’s aggression genocide or not, what is happening in Gaza affects all humanity and, beyond the region, threatens the entire planet by intensifying climate change."

Researchers found that over 99% of greenhouse gases emitted since October 7 are directly attributable to Israel’s aerial bombardment and ground operations. Notably, 30% of the total emissions since October 7 result from the use of 50,000 tons of U.S.-supplied weapons, delivered during the two-month ceasefire via cargo planes and massive ships.

With most power plants and solar panels in Gaza destroyed, the limited available energy relies on diesel generators, which have produced 130,000 tons of greenhouse gases over the past 15 months. Additionally, the constant movement of 70,000 trucks delivering international aid to Gaza has left a significant carbon footprint.

However, the worst environmental damage caused by the Israeli military is the generation of 60 million tons of toxic rubble in Gaza. Clearing this debris and reconstructing 436,000 apartments, 700 schools, mosques, clinics, government offices, and other buildings, along with building 5 km of roads, will emit approximately 29.4 million tons of CO₂, equivalent to Afghanistan’s total emissions in 2023.

The report notes that Yemen’s Ansar Allah launched around 400 missiles toward Israel between October 2023 and January 2025, producing 55 tons of CO₂. In contrast, Israel’s air defense responses generated 50 times more greenhouse gases. During Operations True Promise 1 and 2, over 5,000 tons of CO₂ were emitted, 80% of which came from Israel’s air defense systems. Moreover, more than 90% of the 3,700 tons of CO₂ produced in clashes between Hezbollah and Israel resulted from Israeli airstrikes.

Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and one of the researchers, said: "Militaries must recognize that national security is jeopardized by the climate changes they themselves are causing."

Hadeel Ikhmais, head of the Climate Change Office at the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority, stated: "War, beyond massacring people, releases toxic chemicals, destroys infrastructure, pollutes soil, air, and water resources, and accelerates environmental disasters. It erodes climate resilience and disrupts environmental management."

The report condemns the U.S. and EU for their unconditional diplomatic, financial, and military support of Israel’s genocidal machinery, which has slaughtered 53,000 innocent civilians. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel’s military budget rose to $46.5 billion in 2024, the largest increase among the world’s armies.