Israel Under Scrutiny: Evidence Emerges of White Phosphorus Use in Lebanon and Gaza

Human Rights Watch verified footage from Lebanon and Gaza showing Israel using white phosphorus munitions fired from artillery over civilian areas, including Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border. White phosphorus burns at extremely high temperatures and can cause severe injuries or death; its use is prohibited near civilians under international law, though it has some legitimate battlefield uses when not airburst over populated areas. Israel claims the allegations of white phosphorus use in Gaza are false, but did not provide comment on alleged use in Lebanon. It has used white phosphorus extensively in Gaza before and said in 2013 it would restrict its use near civilians.