Human Rights Watch: Israel Drops White Fosfor Bombs In 17 South Lebanese Cities, Including Settlement Areas

Illustration of Israeli fighter jets. (Wikimedia Commons/Deror Avi)

JAKARTA - The Human Rights Watch Organization (HRW) on Wednesday said Israeli forces had used white phosphorus bombs in at least 17 cities in southern Lebanon, including densely populated residential areas, since October last year.

"We have verified the use of white phosphorus ammunition by Israeli forces in at least 17 cities across southern Lebanon since October 2023, including 5 cities where airburst ammunition is illegally used in densely populated residential areas," HRW said in a report. June.

The report further said Israel's illegal actions had put civilian lives at great risk.

The report said the use of white phosphorus also contributed to the evacuation of civilians from their homes in southern Lebanon.

"Under international humanitarian law, the use of white phosphorus in the air is a unlawful and indiscriminate act in populated areas," the report warned.

"The widespread use of white phosphorus by Israel in southern Lebanon highlights the need for stronger international law on incendiary weapons," the international human rights watchdog said.

Citing Anadolu, the report said Israel was not a party to Protocol III Conventional Weapons Convention, while Lebanon was his party.

Earlier, Israeli soldiers had used white phosphorus against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as evidenced by an image provided by Anadolu, used by Amnesty International in its report released on October 15, 2023, which states Crisis Environment Lab confirmed an Israeli military unit attacking Gaza was equipped with white phosphorus artillery shells.

It is known, according to international law, the use of white phosphorus in areas with dense civilian populations is prohibited. Smoke from white phosphorus, if inhaled, can cause sudden lung injury and shortness of breath.

The white phosphorus can cause second and third level burns to the skin and burn easily if exposed to oxygen. If used as a bomb, not only has the effect of an explosion but also causes a fire.

Fires caused by white phosphorus bombs can spread to large areas and continue until phosphorus runs out.

Meanwhile, handling individuals exposed to white phosphorus, either through inhalation, contact, or consumption, is a challenge due to the nature of these substances that are easily transmitted. Those who handle injuries caused by bombs require special training to protect themselves.

White phosphorus exposure at certain intervals can lead to severe deformation and fracture of the jawbone.