ISRAEL USES GAZA AS TESTING GROUND FOR NEW WEAPONS

Gaza, 8 Rabiul Awwal 1436/30 December 2014 (MINA) – A senior Palestinian official says the Gaza Strip was used by the Israeli regime as a testing ground for its new weapons during the recent war on the besieged territory.

“There is conclusive evidence that it (Israel) used the Gaza Strip as a test bed for its deadly weaponry,” said Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative Party.

He added that the regime fired around 21,000 tons of weapons, which is equivalent to two nuclear bombs, on Gaza during the 50-day war in July-August, Press Tv quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Over 2,140 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed in the Israeli war, while some 11,000 were injured.

Barghouti said, “Israel has launched four devastating wars against Gaza, during which it has used internationally-prohibited weapons, including white phosphorus, as well as barrel bombs.”

Bourghouti also warned that the Gaza Strip would “explode” if construction materials were not allowed into the Palestinian enclave.

Gaza has been blockaded by Israel since 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty. (T/P011/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)