A global human rights organization has accused Israel of deploying white phosphorus incendiary shells on residential buildings in conflict-affected areas of southern Lebanon. This claim has sparked allegations of potential international law violations due to the harmful nature of white phosphorus, which can cause severe injuries and extensive property damage. According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report released on Wednesday, there is no direct evidence of burn injuries from white phosphorus in Lebanon, but there are indications of possible respiratory issues among the affected populations. Human rights advocates emphasize that using white phosphorus in populated areas constitutes a serious breach of international law. Israel, however, defends its use of the substance, stating that it employs white phosphorus solely as a smokescreen, not as a weapon against civilians. The chemical substance is notorious for its capacity to ignite buildings and inflict grievous injuries, including burning human flesh to the bone. Even minor burns from white phosphorus can lead to severe complications such as infections and organ or respiratory failure.
The HRW report includes testimonies from eight residents of southern Lebanon, one of the most heavily affected regions by the ongoing conflict. The organization has verified and geolocated nearly 47 photos and videos showing white phosphorus shells impacting residential structures in five specific towns and villages: Kfar Kila, Mays Al-Jabal, Boustan, Markaba, and Aita Al-Shaab. These locations have endured significant distress during the eight months of fighting, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting that at least 173 people required medical attention following exposure to white phosphorus. The report’s findings are corroborated by Amnesty International, which had previously accused Israel of similar actions in October 2023, shortly after hostilities erupted between the Israeli military and Hezbollah along the southern Lebanon-Israel border. This clash coincided with the onset of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023.
HRW has called on the Lebanese government to grant the International Criminal Court (ICC) the authority to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes committed in Lebanon since October 2023. Ramzi Kaiss, an HRW Lebanon Researcher, urged the international community to take immediate action in response to Israel’s alleged use of white phosphorus in Lebanon. The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement on both sides of the border. In Lebanon, over 400 individuals have been killed, predominantly fighters, but also including more than 70 civilians and noncombatants. In Israel, 15 soldiers and 10 civilians have lost their lives since the conflict began. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in both countries, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The allegations of white phosphorus use highlight the dire need for rigorous enforcement of international humanitarian laws and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. The ongoing violence underscores the urgency for diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting resolution and to address the root causes of the conflict.
In conclusion, the HRW report has intensified calls for accountability and legal action against the use of white phosphorus in populated areas. The international community faces the critical task of ensuring adherence to international law and safeguarding human rights amidst the protracted conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
