Rights body documents alleged illegal use of incendiary substance
Human Rights Watch has levelled serious accusations against Israel, alleging the unlawful deployment of white phosphorus munitions over civilian neighbourhoods in southern Lebanon. The international rights organisation released findings on Monday detailing what it described as illegal strikes on the town of Yohmor, carried out on 3 March.
The organisation stated it had obtained visual evidence showing white phosphorus detonating in the air above a populated area of the town. Civil defence teams were reportedly called to extinguish blazes at no fewer than two homes and a vehicle in the affected neighbourhood.
White phosphorus ignites upon exposure to oxygen and is commonly employed to generate thick smoke screens on the battlefield. However, the chemical compound also functions as a devastating incendiary agent, capable of sparking fires and inflicting horrific burns, damage to the respiratory system, organ failure, and death.
"The Israeli army's illegal use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely worrying and will have serious consequences for civilians," said Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Kaiss further urged that Israel halt the practice without delay. He called on nations supplying the country with armaments — including white phosphorus — to immediately freeze military assistance and weapons transactions, while pressuring Israel to cease deploying such munitions in populated areas.
Escalating military operations across southern Lebanon
The accusations come amid a broader Israeli military campaign targeting Hezbollah positions. Over the past week, Israel has conducted multiple aerial bombardments deep into Lebanese territory and has also sent ground forces into border regions. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for residents living south of the Litani River, situated roughly 30 kilometres from the Israeli frontier.
Lebanese officials report that Israeli operations have claimed at least 394 lives, while upwards of half a million people have been forced from their homes. Both Lebanese authorities and HRW have on numerous occasions in recent years accused Israel of utilising the controversial substance in strikes that allegedly endanger civilians and cause environmental destruction.
Lebanon's National News Agency reported on Sunday that Israeli forces had targeted the border-area towns of Khiam and Tal Nahas with phosphorus-based munitions. The previous month, Lebanon accused Israel of spraying the herbicide glyphosate along the Lebanese side of the shared border.
"A crime against the environment," declared President Joseph Aoun, condemning the alleged herbicide spraying.
The mounting allegations of chemical and incendiary weapon use have intensified international scrutiny of Israel's military conduct in Lebanon, with rights organisations demanding accountability and an immediate end to what they characterise as violations of international humanitarian law.
