Israel’s usage of white phosphorus in S. Lebanon endangers civilians: HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised alarms over the widespread use of white phosphorus by Israeli forces in South Lebanon, warning that this practice is putting civilians at severe risk and contributing to significant displacement.

Since October 2023, Israeli forces have utilized white phosphorus munitions in at least 17 municipalities, with illegal air burst munitions being deployed over populated residential areas in five of these locations.

‘Israel forces should immediately stop using white phosphorus’

White phosphorus, a substance used in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets, ignites upon exposure to oxygen, causing severe burns, deaths, and lifelong injuries. Its use in populated areas contravenes international humanitarian law because of its indiscriminate nature and the inability to take necessary precautions to avoid civilian harm.

Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated: “Israel’s use of airburst white phosphorus munitions in populated areas indiscriminately harms civilians and has led many to leave their homes. Israel forces should immediately stop using white phosphorus munitions in populated areas, especially when less-harmful alternatives are readily available.”

HRW’s investigation included interviews with residents of South Lebanon, alongside the verification and geolocation of 47 photos and videos shared via social media and directly with researchers. These visuals confirm the use of white phosphorus in residential areas, including the southern border villages of Kafr Kila, Mays al-Jabal, Boustane, Markaba, and Aita al-Chaab. For instance, in Boustane, an attack on Oct. 15 resulted in two people being hospitalized because of asphyxiation from inhaling white phosphorus smoke.

Injured at least 173 people since October 2023

Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reports that exposure to white phosphorus has injured at least 173 people since October 2023. Dr. Tharwat Zahran, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at the American University of Beirut, highlighted the severe dermal and respiratory effects of white phosphorus, which can include life-threatening burns and respiratory damage.

HRW has called for a prohibition on the use of airburst white phosphorus munitions in populated areas, urging Israel to adopt available alternatives that pose less risk to civilians. Additionally, Lebanon is encouraged to enable the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute grave international crimes occurring on its territory.

The recent use of white phosphorus underscores the need for stronger international regulations on incendiary weapons. Human Rights Watch and several countries have advocated for closing loopholes in Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons, which currently does not adequately protect civilians from the dangers posed by such munitions.

‘Call for stronger international standards’

“Stronger international standards against the use of white phosphorus are needed to ensure these weapons do not continue to endanger civilians,” Kaiss added. “Israel’s recent use of white phosphorus in Lebanon should motivate other countries to take immediate action toward this goal.”

As hostilities between Israeli forces and Lebanese armed groups, including Hezbollah, persist, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian impacts and enforce stricter regulations on the use of incendiary weapons in conflict zones.