In an alarming development, Israel has reportedly deployed white phosphorus munitions 191 times across southern Lebanon since October 2023. The widespread use of the controversial weapon has rendered vast stretches of land uninhabitable, displacing over 1.3 million Lebanese. Rights groups have condemned this as a violation of international humanitarian law, citing the indiscriminate nature of white phosphorus when used in populated areas.
White Phosphorus: Lethal and Controversial
White phosphorus ignites upon exposure to oxygen, burning intensely and causing severe damage to human tissue, vegetation, and infrastructure. While Israel claims it uses these munitions to create smokescreens on battlefields, evidence suggests their deployment over residential areas in Lebanon and Gaza. Human Rights Watch documented at least five cases of unlawful use in populated regions as of June 2024.
Targeting a “No-Go Zone”
The areas most affected by these attacks align closely with a “red zone” marked on maps distributed by the Israeli military. This zone, spanning more than 918 hectares (2,268 acres), has been declared off-limits for Lebanese residents, effectively preventing their return. According to Lebanese researcher Ahmad Baydoun, these tactics suggest a calculated effort to establish a buffer zone by making the land uninhabitable.
Environmental and Human Toll
The intense bombing, coupled with systematic use of white phosphorus, has devastated Lebanon’s southern border. Rami Zurayk, an expert from the American University of Beirut, highlights the long-term consequences, stating, “This goes beyond a scorched-earth policy. The damage is invisible, long-term, and nature cannot regenerate itself without intervention.” Thousands of olive trees, homes, and hectares of land have been destroyed, further exacerbating Lebanon’s displacement crisis.
Ceasefire Brings Hope, but Challenges Persist
A recently brokered ceasefire, negotiated by France and the United States, offers a glimmer of hope. Under its terms, Israel is required to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days, allowing the Lebanese army to take control. However, just a day after the ceasefire’s announcement, Israel issued maps marking the “no-go zone” and reiterated that residents were prohibited from returning to their homes.
Historical Context and Strategic Goals
Observers suggest that Israel’s actions in southern Lebanon echo its former occupation strategies during the 1980s and 1990s. Nicholas Blanford, a Lebanon expert, believes Israel’s current tactics are aimed at gaining time to search for Hezbollah infrastructure and establish a strategic buffer zone. However, he warns of the potential for renewed resistance if the occupation persists beyond the stipulated 60 days.
Calls for Accountability
Environmental activists, humanitarian organizations, and Lebanese officials are calling for international intervention to address the humanitarian and environmental consequences. Efforts to decontaminate the affected areas will require significant resources and international cooperation.
As the ceasefire holds, the fate of southern Lebanon’s displaced population remains uncertain, raising questions about the broader implications of Israel’s tactics in the region.
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