Polish TNT is major source for US bombs used in Gaza - report
Poland's state-owned TNT producer, Nitro-Chem, has been accused by pro-Palestine organisations of being a crucial link in the supply chain of bombs extensively deployed by Israel in the Gaza Strip.
The report compiled by pro-Palestine activist groups: People's Embargo for Palestine, Palestinian Youth Movement, Shadow World Investigations, and Movement Research Unit, quoted by UK's The Telegraph newspaper on Tuesday, alleges that the Polish TNT comprises 90 percent of US imports of the explosive.
According to the newspaper, the US uses TNT from Poland to produce MK-84 and BLU-109 bombs, which are supplied to Israel and used in attacks in Gaza.
"Based on information provided by the bomb's U.S. manufacturer, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, the Polish company Nitro-Chem, and U.S. government databases, we can conclude that there is a high probability that a significant proportion of [MK-84s] that Israel dropped on the Gaza Strip since October 2023 are filled with Polish-made TNT," the authors of the report wrote.
The study suggested that without Polish-made TNT, the unprecedented scale and intensity of aerial bombardments that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed living conditions in the Gaza Strip would not have been possible.
Nitro-Chem rejected the accusations, stating that their activities are in line with international law.
The Telegraph noted that Nitro-Chem is one of the largest TNT producers globally, but the only major one in Europe. This situation, combined with high international demand, has led to explosive shortages within NATO, hampering munitions support to Ukraine.
The activists called on the company and the Polish authorities "to immediately cease the supply of TNT for the production of MK 80 series bombs and artillery used by Israel, as well as direct supplies of explosives to Israel," as they may be held liable for "aiding and abetting genocide." (PAP)
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