Concerns Rise Over Alleged Use of White Phosphorus Weapons in Gaza and Lebanon
Human Rights Watch Reports on the Alleged Deployment of White Phosphorus Weapons
A recent claim by a human rights watchdog group alleges that Israel’s military has deployed white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon, igniting concerns due to the severe burns and indiscriminate effects these weapons can have on civilians.
According to Human Rights Watch, videos recorded in Lebanon and Gaza clearly show airdropped white phosphorus artillery rounds, a conclusion fiercely contested by Israeli officials. Human Rights Watch’s assertion was further substantiated by interviews with on-the-ground witnesses who noted the distinctive garlic-like smell associated with white phosphorus.
A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strongly denied the allegations, stating unequivocally, “The current accusation made against the IDF regarding the use of white phosphorus in Gaza is unequivocally false. The IDF has not deployed the use of such munitions.” However, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment on the matter.
It’s important to note that NBC News, which did not have reporters present during the incidents in Gaza and Lebanon, has not independently verified the claims made by Human Rights Watch.
White phosphorus munitions have the potential to cause severe burns, irritation, and damage to vital organs, as well as death, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. International law does allow certain uses of white phosphorus, like creating smoke screens or generating light. However, human rights groups maintain that deploying white phosphorus in areas where it could harm civilians, especially via airdrop, is prohibited by international human rights laws. It’s uncertain whether any civilians were present in the areas where white phosphorus was allegedly used. Gaza stands as one of the world’s most densely populated areas.
It is important to recognize that Israel has not signed nor is bound by the United Nations Convention on the use of white phosphorus. Human Rights Watch previously documented Israel’s use of white phosphorus during military conflicts in 2009, a claim supported by the International Red Cross. In 2013, Israel declared it would only use white phosphorus in limited circumstances.
The white phosphorus munitions used recently in Gaza and Lebanon were airburst 155 mm artillery projectiles, capable of dispersing white phosphorus over extensive areas. This usage, according to Human Rights Watch, violates the requirement under international humanitarian law to take all feasible precautions to prevent civilian injuries and loss of life.
Amnesty International’s weapons investigator, Brian Castner, concurred with Human Rights Watch’s assessment, stating that they had verified the use of M825 and M825A1 155mm white phosphorus projectiles by Israeli artillery forces in Gaza.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is also looking into these allegations.
In a Zoom interview, Palestinian surgeon Sara Al Saqqa, working at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, reported treating injuries consistent with white phosphorus wounds. She described these injuries as “not even humanitarian to be used in wars,” causing severe burns that affect every millimeter of the victims’ bodies.
Getty photojournalist Amhad Hasaballah, who has covered the region since 2015, claimed to have photographed white phosphorus smoke during a barrage of strikes on Gaza City on October 11.
These allegations have circulated online for several days, with the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates suggesting that Israeli warplanes and artillery used white phosphorus in the northwest of Gaza City, raising concerns about internationally prohibited weaponry.
This report comes as Israel appears to be preparing for a ground assault on Gaza, with over 1 million people warned to leave the northern part of the densely populated enclave. The region has seen significant casualties on both sides, raising international concerns about alleged human rights violations, war crimes, and compliance with international law. The situation continues to evolve, with many eyes on the international community for accountability and resolution.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
