Israel Accused of Using White Phosphorus in Lebanon Conflict
Allegations of White Phosphorus Use in Lebanon
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious allegations against Israel, claiming the use of white phosphorus in a village located in southern Lebanon. In a report published on Monday, HRW stated that it had examined and authenticated seven images depicting Israeli artillery firing white phosphorus shells into residential areas of Yohmor village. Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher for HRW in Lebanon, expressed concern, stating, "The unlawful deployment of white phosphorus by the Israeli military over populated areas is deeply troubling and poses significant risks to civilians." The HRW noted that these attacks occurred after the Israeli military had issued evacuation warnings to local residents. However, the organization could not independently verify if civilians had evacuated prior to the strikes. As of now, Israel has not provided a response to these claims. In previous statements regarding white phosphorus, Israel has maintained that it employs the chemical primarily as a smoke screen in combat situations, asserting that it does not aim to target civilians directly.
Understanding White Phosphorus
What Is White Phosphorus?
White phosphorus is a chemical that ignites upon contact with oxygen, burning at extremely high temperatures. It can be deployed via artillery shells, bombs, and rockets. Due to its intense heat, it poses a risk of igniting buildings and causing severe injuries to individuals exposed to it. International humanitarian law prohibits the use of airburst white phosphorus in densely populated regions, as this type of weapon disperses burning fragments over a larger area, heightening the danger to civilians. Additionally, white phosphorus is particularly hazardous because it can burn through human tissue and may reignite if it comes into contact with oxygen again.
Escalating Conflict Between Israel and Hezbollah
Fighting Between Israel And Hezbollah Continues
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is escalating in Lebanon. On Monday, Hezbollah announced that its fighters were engaging Israeli forces that had entered eastern Lebanon via helicopter from the Syrian border. The group characterized this as the second operation of its kind since the latest hostilities commenced.