In a recently released report during the escalating conflict, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has alleged that Israel has used white phosphorus in Gaza and in two rural areas near the Lebanese border. HRW’s Middle East and North Africa director, Lama Fakih, stated that the use of white phosphorus in crowded civilian areas poses a significant risk of excruciating burns and lifelong suffering. The allegations come after Israel’s retaliation with airstrikes following a deadly attack by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,300 Israelis and over 1,400 Palestinians.
It should be noted that Global News has not independently verified HRW’s allegations, and the Israel Defense Force (IDF) has denied using white phosphorus in Gaza. The IDF has called the allegation “unequivocally false,” according to Reuters.
White phosphorus is a “colorless-to-white waxy” substance that can produce intense heat. It is commonly dispersed using artillery shells, rockets, or bombs and is utilized in war zones to create light, smoke, and heat for military operations. While white phosphorus can legally be used for purposes such as generating illumination, marking targets, or burning structures, when used within concentrations of civilians, it becomes prohibited under international conventions. HRW argues that using this substance in Gaza, one of the most densely-populated regions in the world, violates the international humanitarian law prohibition on putting civilians at unnecessary risk.
The burns caused by white phosphorus can be extremely severe, potentially reaching the bone. Contact with the substance can lead to infections, respiratory damage, and organ failure.
HRW based its allegations on videos allegedly taken in Gaza and Lebanon, showing multiple airbursts of white phosphorus over Gaza. The group verified these videos and confirmed that they were taken in Gaza City’s port, identifying the munitions used in the strike as airburst 155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles.
The legality of white phosphorus is complex. Protocol III of the UN Convention of Certain Conventional Weapons prohibits the use of weapons designed to cause burn injuries against civilians. While Palestinian leaders and Lebanon have joined this protocol, Israel has not ratified it. Moreover, the protocol does not entirely restrict the use of ground-launched incendiary weapons. White phosphorus falls into a gray area as it is not specifically banned under international law.
HRW has called on the international community to address the loopholes surrounding the use of white phosphorus and urged Israel to stop using it in populated areas. The organization emphasizes the need to spare civilians from further suffering during the conflict.
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