Israel unlawfully used white phosphorus in Lebanon: HRW
Al Jazeera
Images verified by Human Rights Watch show Israel fired white phosphorus in populated areas of southern Lebanon.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has found evidence Israel used white phosphorus in residential areas of southern Lebanon earlier this month, in violation of international humanitarian law.
In a new report released on Monday, the New York-based rights group said it confirmed the authenticity of seven photos showing white phosphorus munitions fired over a residential area in southern Lebanon’s Yohmor, with fires breaking out in at least two homes there on March 3.
Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher with HRW, said, “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,” he added.
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.
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