GAZA STRIP, ISRAEL: Israel has come under fire after Human Rights Watch accused the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) of using white phosphorus during military operations in Lebanon and Gaza following Hamas’ deadly attack.
The international non-governmental organization asserted that it had verified videos from October 10 and 11 showing “multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border.”
White phosphorous, which was banned by the United Nations in 1980, is a highly combustible substance that produces extreme heat, approximately 1499 degrees Fahrenheit.
The substance is typically used to illuminate targets at night or as smokescreens to conceal military activity. But when it is used as a weapon, it can result in severe burns that go deep into the bone and tissue, as well as long-term health effects like infections, respiratory damage, organ failure, and muscle contractions that can impair mobility.
According to the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, "white phosphorus is categorized as an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons."
It is not outright banned, but using it in densely populated civilian areas — like Gaza — may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law, HRW said.
Did Israel really use white phosphorous in Gaza?
The HRW made accusations against Israel after verifying the authenticity of two videos that depicted “multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over” Gaza and Lebanon.
The organization also interviewed two residents, who described observing strikes consistent with the use of white phosphorus.
They described witnessing ongoing airstrikes followed by explosions in the sky and what they both characterized as white lines heading toward the ground. They estimated that the attack took place sometime between 11.30 am and 1 pm.
The person who was in his office claimed that the smell of the substance was so overpowering that he went to the window to see what was going on and then recorded the strike.
The HRW stated that the use of white phosphorus in Gaza increases the risk to civilians and is against international humanitarian law, which forbids putting civilians in needless danger.
“Any time that white phosphorus is used in crowded civilian areas, it poses a high risk of excruciating burns and lifelong suffering,” said Lama Fakih, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch.
“White phosphorous is unlawfully indiscriminate when airburst in populated urban areas, where it can burn down houses and cause egregious harm to civilians,” Fakih continued.
However, the Israel Defence Force refuted claims, saying it is “currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza,” Reuters reported.
Israel previously drew widespread condemnation after using white phosphorus extensively during its bombardment of Gaza in 2009.
In 2013, the Israeli military said it would no longer use white phosphorus in populated areas except in exceptional circumstances, following a petition to Israel’s High Court.
Internet slams Israel for using white phosphorus
After Human Rights Watch’s claims surfaced on the Internet, many users blasted Israel for using white phosphorus in civilian areas of Gaza as it can cause 'severe burns'.
“I just can't believe how easily the Israeli gov does such war crimes and gets literally 0 sanctions, I don't like bibi,” one user wrote.
“Not shocking, I know a country that did worse than it in 2003 and no one ever cared or talked =)” the second user said.
“Where is UN who banned this bomb in 1980s. ?The convention bans the use of weapons that cause "excessive suffering or injury" or have "indiscriminate effects,” the third user fumed.
“Why sooo much violence or plans to wreak havoc around the world,” the fourth user said while another wrote, “They are war crimes, and as usual, the international community is silent and can't do anything as if Israel is in control of them.”
“The whole world is letting this happen- very unfortunate and shameful,” one more said.
