Amid the conflict in Gaza, concerns have been raised over the alleged use of white phosphorus shells by Israeli forces. Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions in its recent military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, alleging that using these munitions in high populated civilian areas endangers civilians with the potential for serious and lasting harm.
Israel seems to have potentially violated international law, focused at safeguarding civilians during the conflict. But, the IDF has denied these accusations, stating that they have not used such munitions.
White phosphorus is a highly flammable substance which can cause severe injuries, and its use in civilian populated areas is restricted by international protocols. However Israel is not a party to the specific protocol of the U.N. convention that addresses this issue.
The issue arose in the aftermath of a violent action initiated by Hamas in southern Israeli towns, causing over 1,300 casualties. Unfortunately, the toll on Palestinian lives has been even greater, claiming at least 1,500 lives . Additionally, tensions have escalated with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.
According to the sources, Human Rights Watch claims to have authenticated videos from Lebanon on October 10th and from Gaza on October 11th, providing evidence of white phosphorus use in multiple airbursts of artillery-fired to the Gaza City port and other two rural locations along with the Israel-Lebanon border. The organization provided links of two videos on social media projecting 155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles being used, apparently as smokescreens, marking, or signaling.These videos showcase incidents near the Israel-Lebanon border. However, Human Rights Watch did not give links to the videos illustrating the alleged use of white phosphorus in Gaza. Palestinian television channels have broadcast footage in recent days showing thin trails of white smoke in the sky over Gaza, which they attribute to such munitions.
Israel’s military had earlier announced in 2013 that it was phasing out white phosphorus smokescreen munitions, following allegations of war crimes stemming from its 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza. However, it did not specify if it would also review the use of weaponized white phosphorus, which is designed for incinerating enemy positions. This development indicates the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough, independent investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the use of white phosphorus in this conflict.
