Israel Accused of Unlawful Use of White Phosphorus in Lebanon

The Israeli military has been accused of unlawfully using white phosphorus munitions in populated areas of southern Lebanon during the 2006 conflict, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

The organization says it has verified images showing Israeli forces firing white phosphorus shells, which can cause severe burns, into civilian neighborhoods. White phosphorus is primarily used to create smokescreens, but its use in populated areas is considered a violation of international law.

"Our research has uncovered evidence that Israeli forces were firing white phosphorus munitions in the direction of civilian areas in southern Lebanon," said Joe Stork, deputy director of HRW's Middle East division. "This appears to be a clear-cut case of Israel's unlawful use of an inherently indiscriminate weapon."

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White phosphorus can cause horrific burns that continue to damage tissue until the chemical is deprived of oxygen. Even small fragments can ignite clothing and cause deep burns. The use of white phosphorus in populated areas is considered a violation of the laws of war, which require combatants to distinguish between military and civilian targets and to avoid causing disproportionate civilian harm.

HRW's findings contradict Israel's initial claims that it only used the munitions for smoke-screening purposes, which would have been lawful. The organization says its researchers visited affected areas, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed numerous videos and photographs to verify the use of white phosphorus.

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The Israeli military has not yet responded to the new HRW report. During the 2006 conflict, at least 1,190 Lebanese, mostly civilians, were killed, while 43 Israeli civilians were killed by Hezbollah rocket attacks.

This is not the first time Israel has faced allegations of using white phosphorus illegally. In 2009, the United Nations accused Israel of using the munition in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip during its military offensive there.

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Human rights groups have long called for a ban on the use of white phosphorus in populated areas, arguing that its indiscriminate nature makes it impossible to use in a way that distinguishes between military and civilian targets. The new HRW report adds to the growing body of evidence that Israel has failed to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law.