Israel unlawfully used white phosphorus in Lebanon: HRW

"The Israeli military's unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians. The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering. The use of airburst white phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate in populated areas and does not meet the requirement under international humanitarian law to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm."

"The chemical substance ignites when exposed to oxygen and can set homes, agricultural areas, and other civilian objects on fire. HRW found that in Yohmor, the munitions were used unlawfully over concentrations of civilians, which resulted in fires breaking out in homes and other civilian property."

"The shape of the smoke cloud caused by the airbursts was consistent with the knuckle made by the expelling and bursting charges of the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile that contains white phosphorus."

Human Rights Watch verified photographic evidence confirming Israel fired white phosphorus munitions over the residential area of Yohmor in southern Lebanon on March 3. The organization authenticated seven photos showing airburst white phosphorus munitions that ignited fires in at least two homes. White phosphorus is an incendiary substance that ignites upon oxygen exposure, causing severe burns and potential death. HRW determined the use was unlawful and indiscriminate, failing to meet international humanitarian law requirements for civilian protection. The munitions were identified as M825-series 155mm artillery projectiles based on distinctive smoke cloud patterns. The organization concluded Israel unlawfully deployed these weapons over civilian concentrations without taking feasible precautions to prevent harm.

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