JAKARTA - Human Rights Watch (HRW) has obtained evidence that the Israeli military used white phosphorus bombs in its attack on a residential area in southern Lebanon earlier this month. HRW insists that this action violates international humanitarian law.
This was revealed by a New York-based human rights group in its latest report released on Monday, March 9.
HRW has confirmed the authenticity of seven photos showing white phosphorus munitions fired over a civilian residential area in Yohmor, southern Lebanon, with fires occurring in at least two houses there on March 3.
Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher at HRW in Lebanon said, "The illegal use of white phosphorus by the Israeli military over residential areas is very worrying and will have dire consequences for civilians."
"The effects of white phosphorus burns can cause death or severe injuries that result in lifelong suffering," he added.
The use of white phosphorus bombs that explode in the air is a violation of international law. The effort is considered inhumane, especially if fired in populated areas.
HRW said Israel was clearly indifferent or did not take the necessary precautions to avoid civilian casualties by violating international humanitarian law over its military efforts.
White phosphorus is a chemical substance that lights up when exposed to oxygen and can trigger explosions and fires in homes, farmland, and other civilian objects.
HRW found evidence that in Yohmor, the ammunition was used by Israel illegally over concentrations of civilians, resulting in fires in homes and other civilian property.
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