Human Rights Watch Alleges Use Over Gaza Strip and Israel-Lebanon Border

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has claimed that Israel employed white phosphorus in military operations within the Gaza Strip and along the Israel-Lebanon border. The use of white phosphorus, a substance that ignites upon contact with oxygen and can cause severe burns to human skin, is a matter of grave concern.

HRW verified the use of white phosphorus through interviews and video evidence, confirming its deployment over Gaza City port and rural areas near the Israel-Lebanon border. While the Israeli military is yet to comment on the allegations, the potential use of this chemical in both conflict zones raises serious humanitarian and legal questions.

White Phosphorus: Highly Destructive and Controversial

White phosphorus burns at extremely high temperatures, making it capable of igniting fast-spreading fires and generating thick smoke, commonly used for creating smokescreens in military operations. However, it can have devastating effects on human beings, burning skin to the bone, leading to organ dysfunction, and causing lethal metabolic disorders.

While not internationally banned as an incendiary weapon, its use in populated areas raises concerns of its indiscriminate impact on civilians. Israel has previously faced accusations of deploying white phosphorus munitions, particularly during the 2008-2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza.

The international community closely watches the allegations against Israel's use of white phosphorus in recent military operations, shedding light on the challenges of regulating such contentious weaponry.