In a recent development, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarm over Israel’s use of white phosphorus in its ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, placing innocent civilians in grave danger. The deployment of this chemical agent in densely populated areas violates international legal obligations aimed at preventing harm to non-combatants. HRW’s findings come after a thorough analysis of video footage captured during the conflict, intensifying concerns about the safety of civilians in these war-torn regions.
HRW’s Alarming Findings
HRW’s investigation revealed that Israel has employed white phosphorus in its military operations, causing significant distress among civilian populations. Video footage taken in both Lebanon and Gaza provided compelling evidence of this dangerous practice. The videos captured multiple instances of artillery-fired white phosphorus being used over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border. Additionally, HRW conducted interviews with witnesses who described an attack involving white phosphorus in Gaza.
Violation of International Law
The use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas constitutes a blatant violation of Israel’s obligation under international law to exercise every possible precaution to prevent civilian casualties. Lama Fakih, HRW’s director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized the severe risks associated with deploying white phosphorus in crowded civilian zones. The chemical’s potential to cause excruciating burns and lifelong suffering is a matter of deep concern, as it can not only damage properties but also have severe repercussions for innocent bystanders.
“White phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate when airburst in populated urban areas, where it can burn down houses and cause egregious harm to civilians,” remarked Fakih.
Calls for Immediate Action
In light of these alarming findings, HRW has called for immediate action to safeguard civilian lives. The rights group insists that Israel should ban the use of “airburst” white phosphorus munitions in populated areas without exceptions, emphasizing the availability of non-lethal alternatives. While white phosphorus can serve various military purposes, it poses an immense risk to human life when used in proximity to civilian populations, potentially causing severe burns and lifelong injuries.
Notably, the use of white phosphorus in warzones is not universally banned under international law. However, the United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons prohibits its use near civilians, a commitment to which Israel is not a signatory. Israel’s military responded to these allegations by stating that it was not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza. Meanwhile, no official comments were provided regarding its alleged use in Lebanon, as reported by Reuters.
In the past, Israel faced widespread condemnation for its extensive use of white phosphorus during the 2009 Gaza bombardment. In response to public outrage, the Israeli military announced in 2013 that it would no longer use white phosphorus in populated areas except under exceptional circumstances, following a petition to Israel’s High Court.
The recent escalation in violence is a result of Israel’s commitment to eradicating Hamas from Gaza, in response to the armed group’s deadliest attack inside the country in decades. The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with Israeli airstrikes in Gaza claiming the lives of over 1,500 Palestinians and leaving more than 6,600 others wounded. Simultaneously, a multi-pronged attack by Hamas on southern Israeli towns resulted in over 1,300 casualties and 3,000 injuries, according to Israeli officials. The use of white phosphorus in such a volatile environment further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, raising concerns about the protection of civilians in the midst of ongoing hostilities.
