Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using banned white phosphorus in Lebanon
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Beirut: The Israeli military used white phosphorus in residential areas of southern Lebanon in violation of international law, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The New York-based rights group said there is clear evidence that the lethal chemical substance was used in attacks earlier this month in a manner that endangered civilians.
In a report released on Monday, the organisation said it had verified seven images showing white phosphorus bombs falling over residential areas in the village of Yahmour in southern Lebanon. The attack, which occurred on March 3, set two houses on fire and caused significant damage.
The illegal use of white phosphorus by the Israeli military in populated areas is extremely alarming and could have serious consequences for civilians, said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. He added that contact with white phosphorus can cause severe burns, long-term health complications and even death.
The chemical substance ignites spontaneously when it comes into contact with oxygen and can cause extensive destruction to homes and farmland. Under international humanitarian law, the use of such weapons in densely populated areas may amount to a war crime.
After analysing images released by Lebanese media, Human Rights Watch found that 155 mm artillery shells from the M825 series were used in the attack. The organisation also confirmed, using geolocation technology, images showing civil defence teams attempting to extinguish fires that had spread to rooftops and vehicles in Yahmour.
Human Rights Watch called on countries such as United States, United Kingdom and Germany, which supply weapons to Israel, to immediately halt military assistance.
According to available figures, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have so far killed 394 people and injured more than a thousand others. More than 500,000 people have already fled Lebanon. The report also noted that Israel had previously used white phosphorus in a similar manner in border villages in southern Lebanon between October 2023 and May 2024.
