<p>Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers accused Israel of using white phosphorus in Lebanon, citing verified evidence of images and videos. The New York-based rights group said that they have verified that Israel is using the chemical weapon in south Lebanon, reigniting concerns over potential violation of the laws of war.</p><p>According to a Guardian report, the researchers identified at least eight images in which airburst artillery shells could be seen dispersing white phosphorus over residential areas in the town of Yohmor during the early days of the conflict in Gaza. When the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile bursts, a distinct knuckle-shaped plume could be seen as it expels its felt wedges containing white phosphorus.</p><p>Reportedly, the Israeli forces used white phosphorus between October 2023 and November 2024 to “burn down fields for visibility, so that people or Hezbollah militants don’t hide under the trees,” said Ahmad Beydoun, an architect and PhD researcher at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.</p><p>Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, last week avoided responding to HRW’s allegations, saying “We do everything we can to minimise civilian casualties.” He added, “That’s why we actually asked the people from southern Lebanon, south of the Litani, to move to the north, to avoid civilian casualties.”</p><p>Amid the recent war with Iran and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have bombed roads, petrol stations, bridges, and medical centres as part of their efforts to isolate south Lebanon from the rest of the country.</p><p>What is white phosphorus?</p><p>White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites when exposed to oxygen when dispersed in artillery shells, bombs and rockets. It burns at up to 800 degrees Celcius and releases thick smoke. Several military forces use it as a smokescreen to conceal the movements of troops, mark targets, or illuminate terrain at night. However, its use in civilian areas is controversial, with some claiming it is illegal due to its serious effects. The chemical can ignite fires, emit toxic fumes and can result in serious burns. Its widespread use has also been linked to environmental damage, including burned farmland, forest destruction, and long-term soil contamination with harmful substances like heavy metals.</p><p><i>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.</i></p>

Human Rights Watch alleges Israel used white phosphorus in south Lebanon, citing verified visuals. The use in civilian areas raises legal, humanitarian, and environmental concerns.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers accused Israel of using white phosphorus in Lebanon, citing verified evidence of images and videos. The New York-based rights group said that they have verified that Israel is using the chemical weapon in south Lebanon, reigniting concerns over potential violation of the laws of war. According to a Guardian report, the researchers identified at least eight images in which airburst artillery shells could be seen dispersing white phosphorus over residential areas in the town of Yohmor during the early days of the conflict in Gaza. When the M825-series 155mm artillery projectile bursts, a distinct knuckle-shaped plume could be seen as it expels its felt wedges containing white phosphorus. Reportedly, the Israeli forces used white phosphorus between October 2023 and November 2024 to “burn down fields for visibility, so that people or Hezbollah militants don’t hide under the trees,” said Ahmad Beydoun, an architect and PhD researcher at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, last week avoided responding to HRW’s allegations, saying “We do everything we can to minimise civilian casualties.” He added, “That’s why we actually asked the people from southern Lebanon, south of the Litani, to move to the north, to avoid civilian casualties.” Amid the recent war with Iran and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have bombed roads, petrol stations, bridges, and medical centres as part of their efforts to isolate south Lebanon from the rest of the country. What is white phosphorus? White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites when exposed to oxygen when dispersed in artillery shells, bombs and rockets. It burns at up to 800 degrees Celcius and releases thick smoke. Several military forces use it as a smokescreen to conceal the movements of troops, mark targets, or illuminate terrain at night. However, its use in civilian areas is controversial, with some claiming it is illegal due to its serious effects. The chemical can ignite fires, emit toxic fumes and can result in serious burns. Its widespread use has also been linked to environmental damage, including burned farmland, forest destruction, and long-term soil contamination with harmful substances like heavy metals. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

<p>Human Rights Watch alleges Israel used white phosphorus in south Lebanon, citing verified visuals. The use in civilian areas raises legal, humanitarian, and environmental concerns.</p>

Israel accused of using white phosphorus in Lebanon; researchers cite evidence

<p>An investigation has been launched by the United States government into Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip which killed civilians and the alleged use of white phosphorus in Lebanon in October, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials told the US-based media outlet that the State Department has aimed to find out whether or not Israel misused its bombs and missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air strikes in the Gaza Strip reportedly killed civilians, including children. In particular, the department is investigating an airstrike on October 31 in the Jabalia refugee camp, which according to local health officials killed more than 125 victims.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-begins-series-of-strikes-in-lebanon-amid-concerns-over-cross-border-escalation-690319">Israel ‘begins series of strikes’ in Lebanon amid concerns over cross-border escalation</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The report further mentioned that concerns were raised after weapons investigators argued that Israel may have used a 2,000-pound bomb in the strike, which could have been supplied by the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the United Nations Human Rights Office, the strike could have been a war crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The probe also focuses on the alleged use of white phosphorus during Israeli attacks in Lebanon in mid-October. White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes in contact with oxygen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White phosphorus allegedly puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury and is prohibited from use in residential areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-it-destroyed-russian-warship-in-black-sea-690162">VIDEO: Ukraine claims it destroyed another Russian warship in Black Sea</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;‘We lived in terror,’ say Palestinians in Rafah&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>This is not the first time&nbsp;Israel has faced such allegations, however, it has always denied them. &nbsp;</p>

<p>During a press conference on Monday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller responded to a question by Anadolu as he said that he was not able to verify the reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whether weapons are provided by the United States or that they have acquired through some other method or that they manufacture them themselves, it is our expectation that they use them in full compliance with the laws of war, and we engage with them on that matter," said Miller.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US aid to Israel and other nations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Republican leader of the US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 13) blocked war aid for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bill was approved in the Senate earlier Tuesday. It includes $95 billion in funding, mostly for the security of pro-Western Ukraine, as well as for the top US strategic priorities of Israel and Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


An investigation has been launched by the United States government into Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip which killed civilians and the alleged use of white phosphorus in Lebanon in October, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials.

An investigation has been launched by the United States government into Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip which killed civilians and the alleged use of white phosphorus in Lebanon in October, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. The officials told the US-based media outlet that the State Department has aimed to find out whether or not Israel misused its bombs and missiles. The air strikes in the Gaza Strip reportedly killed civilians, including children. In particular, the department is investigating an airstrike on October 31 in the Jabalia refugee camp, which according to local health officials killed more than 125 victims. Also read: Israel ‘begins series of strikes’ in Lebanon amid concerns over cross-border escalation The report further mentioned that concerns were raised after weapons investigators argued that Israel may have used a 2,000-pound bomb in the strike, which could have been supplied by the US. As per the United Nations Human Rights Office, the strike could have been a war crime. The probe also focuses on the alleged use of white phosphorus during Israeli attacks in Lebanon in mid-October. White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. It has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes in contact with oxygen. White phosphorus allegedly puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury and is prohibited from use in residential areas. Also read: VIDEO: Ukraine claims it destroyed another Russian warship in Black Sea Watch: ‘We lived in terror,’ say Palestinians in Rafah × This is not the first time Israel has faced such allegations, however, it has always denied them. During a press conference on Monday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller responded to a question by Anadolu as he said that he was not able to verify the reports. "Whether weapons are provided by the United States or that they have acquired through some other method or that they manufacture them themselves, it is our expectation that they use them in full compliance with the laws of war, and we engage with them on that matter," said Miller. US aid to Israel and other nations The Republican leader of the US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 13) blocked war aid for Ukraine. The bill was approved in the Senate earlier Tuesday. It includes $95 billion in funding, mostly for the security of pro-Western Ukraine, as well as for the top US strategic priorities of Israel and Taiwan. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

US probes deadly strikes in Gaza and reported use of white phosphorus in Lebanon: Report

<p>The White House said on Monday (Dec 11) that the United States is "concerned" over new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in a bombing attack in Lebanon. The attack reportedly injured civilians and burned down houses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White House spokesperson John Kirby told the reporters on Air Force One: "We've seen the reports. Certainly concerned about that. We'll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirby said white phosphorus has a "legitimate military utility" for illumination and producing smoke to conceal movements.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-arrives-in-us-for-last-ditch-effort-for-more-aid-668663">Zelensky arrives in US for last-ditch effort for more aid</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes in&nbsp;contact with oxygen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White phosphorus allegedly puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury and is prohibited from use in residential areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-marks-75-years-of-human-rights-declaration-in-shadow-of-gaza-668644">UN marks 75 years of human rights declaration in shadow of Gaza war</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Israel has faced such allegations in the past, but it has always denied it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Obviously any time that we provide items like white phosphorus to another military, it is with the full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes... and in keeping with the law of armed conflict."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about the same, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "The IDF and the entire security establishment acts according to international law. That is how we have acted and how we will act."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu warns 'it's the beginning of the end of Hamas'&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Impact of the use of white phosphorus&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation.</p>

<p>It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing.</p>

<p>It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies, impacting millions of humans and animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The White House said on Monday (Dec 11) that the United States is "concerned" over new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in a bombing attack in Lebanon.

The White House said on Monday (Dec 11) that the United States is "concerned" over new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in a bombing attack in Lebanon. The attack reportedly injured civilians and burned down houses. White House spokesperson John Kirby told the reporters on Air Force One: "We've seen the reports. Certainly concerned about that. We'll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more." Kirby said white phosphorus has a "legitimate military utility" for illumination and producing smoke to conceal movements. Also read: Zelensky arrives in US for last-ditch effort for more aid White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes in contact with oxygen. White phosphorus allegedly puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury and is prohibited from use in residential areas. Also read: UN marks 75 years of human rights declaration in shadow of Gaza war Israel has faced such allegations in the past, but it has always denied it. He said, "Obviously any time that we provide items like white phosphorus to another military, it is with the full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes... and in keeping with the law of armed conflict." On being asked about the same, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "The IDF and the entire security establishment acts according to international law. That is how we have acted and how we will act." Watch: Netanyahu warns 'it's the beginning of the end of Hamas' × Impact of the use of white phosphorus White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation. It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing. It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies, impacting millions of humans and animals. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

White House 'concerned' over reports that Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon

<p>Israel has launched incessant air strikes at Hamas targets in Gaza after members of the Palestinian militant group stormed Israeli towns in the first week of October in a surprise and unprecedented assault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack by Hamas on Saturday (Oct 7) was launched from the Gaza enclave, killing over 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians. Hamas militants&nbsp;also took dozens hostage, including from a famous music festival.</p>

<p>The subsequent armed conflict continues to escalate as hundreds of people have died on both sides and the toll is expected to rise further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, other concerns have been raised over the way&nbsp;this war is going forward. Experts have called out Israel after a video purportedly showed the alleged use of white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas.</p>

<p>The matter is contested, but WION here decodes everything you need to know about the white phosphorus bombs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are white phosphorus bombs?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes into contact with oxygen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The substance is also used by the militaries across the world as a smoke agent because it produces clouds of irritating white smoke.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an intergovernmental implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, has not listed White Phosphorous in any of the three Schedules of Chemical Weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White phosphorus can ignite fast-burning and fast-spreading fires on the ground, and several reports have claimed it is extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war: A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>How can white phosphorus be disseminated?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation.</p>

<p>It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing.</p>

<p>It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies if contacted, which will impact millions — humans and animals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that white phosphorus cannot be used to contaminate food. It added that if white phosphorus is released as smoke, it may not contaminate agricultural products. However, particles of white phosphorus that do not react with air may contaminate agricultural products.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a war crime: Israeli forces are using internationally prohibited white phosphorus on heavily populated districts in the north of Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/7VnteZsiFj">pic.twitter.com/7VnteZsiFj</a></p>
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnlinePalEng/status/1711208028505043131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Phosphorus bombs used by lsrael in my village! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dm21uPCDnU">pic.twitter.com/Dm21uPCDnU</a></p>
— Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadSmiry/status/1711205055569760687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Are white phosphorus bombs banned?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>White phosphorus does not occur naturally as it is manufactured using phosphate rocks. As per international laws, the use of white phosphorus shells is prohibited in heavily populated civilian areas. However, the laws allow its usage in open spaces to be used as cover for troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Human Rights Watch has said that there have been documented civilian deaths from the use of white phosphorus in war zones in countries and areas such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are other applications of white phosphorus?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>White phosphorus is also used as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was initially used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-defense-forces-says-it-killed-two-top-hamas-men-during-air-strikes-645045">Israel Defense Forces says it killed two top Hamas men during air strike</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Has Israel used such bombs previously?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>A report by Human Rights Watch claimed that Israel extensively used white phosphorus munitions in its 22-day military operation in Gaza called 'Operation Cast Lead' that lasted from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The report clarified that white phosphorus munitions did not kill the most civilians in Gaza, as people died from missiles, bombs, heavy artillery, tank shells, and small arms fire.</p>

<p>However, it did argue that their use in densely populated neighbourhoods violated international humanitarian law, which requires taking precautions to avoid civilian harm.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reports of other war crimes during the Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing UN investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Israeli-Hamas conflict said there was "already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes," said the Commission of Inquiry as quoted by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The COI, the highest-level investigation that can be ordered by the UN Human Rights Council, was set up in May 2021 to investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The independent commission said it had been "collecting and preserving evidence of war crimes committed by all sides" in the current conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields are war crimes," it said.</p>

<p>It is also "gravely concerned" by Israel's total siege on the Gaza Strip, "which will undoubtfully cost civilian lives and constitutes collective punishment".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Israel has launched incessant air strikes at Hamas targets in Gaza after members of the Palestinian militant group stormed Israeli towns in the first week of October in a surprise and unprecedented assault.

Israel has launched incessant air strikes at Hamas targets in Gaza after members of the Palestinian militant group stormed Israeli towns in the first week of October in a surprise and unprecedented assault. The attack by Hamas on Saturday (Oct 7) was launched from the Gaza enclave, killing over 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians. Hamas militants also took dozens hostage, including from a famous music festival. The subsequent armed conflict continues to escalate as hundreds of people have died on both sides and the toll is expected to rise further. However, other concerns have been raised over the way this war is going forward. Experts have called out Israel after a video purportedly showed the alleged use of white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas. The matter is contested, but WION here decodes everything you need to know about the white phosphorus bombs. What are white phosphorus bombs? White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes into contact with oxygen. The substance is also used by the militaries across the world as a smoke agent because it produces clouds of irritating white smoke. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an intergovernmental implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, has not listed White Phosphorous in any of the three Schedules of Chemical Weapons. White phosphorus can ignite fast-burning and fast-spreading fires on the ground, and several reports have claimed it is extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited. Also read: Israel vs Hamas war: A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal How can white phosphorus be disseminated? White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation. It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing. It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies if contacted, which will impact millions — humans and animals. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that white phosphorus cannot be used to contaminate food. It added that if white phosphorus is released as smoke, it may not contaminate agricultural products. However, particles of white phosphorus that do not react with air may contaminate agricultural products. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. This is a war crime: Israeli forces are using internationally prohibited white phosphorus on heavily populated districts in the north of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/7VnteZsiFj — PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) October 9, 2023 × Phosphorus bombs used by lsrael in my village! #Gaza pic.twitter.com/Dm21uPCDnU — Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) October 9, 2023 × Are white phosphorus bombs banned? White phosphorus does not occur naturally as it is manufactured using phosphate rocks. As per international laws, the use of white phosphorus shells is prohibited in heavily populated civilian areas. However, the laws allow its usage in open spaces to be used as cover for troops. White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime. Human Rights Watch has said that there have been documented civilian deaths from the use of white phosphorus in war zones in countries and areas such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Gaza. What are other applications of white phosphorus? White phosphorus is also used as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. It was initially used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors. Also read: Israel Defense Forces says it killed two top Hamas men during air strike Has Israel used such bombs previously? A report by Human Rights Watch claimed that Israel extensively used white phosphorus munitions in its 22-day military operation in Gaza called 'Operation Cast Lead' that lasted from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009. The report clarified that white phosphorus munitions did not kill the most civilians in Gaza, as people died from missiles, bombs, heavy artillery, tank shells, and small arms fire. However, it did argue that their use in densely populated neighbourhoods violated international humanitarian law, which requires taking precautions to avoid civilian harm. Reports of other war crimes during the Israel-Hamas war The ongoing UN investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Israeli-Hamas conflict said there was "already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed". "All those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes," said the Commission of Inquiry as quoted by the news agency AFP. The COI, the highest-level investigation that can be ordered by the UN Human Rights Council, was set up in May 2021 to investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The independent commission said it had been "collecting and preserving evidence of war crimes committed by all sides" in the current conflict. "Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields are war crimes," it said. It is also "gravely concerned" by Israel's total siege on the Gaza Strip, "which will undoubtfully cost civilian lives and constitutes collective punishment". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained I What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?

Kurds Allege Use Of White Phosphorus By Turkey. Chemical weapons are back in the news. Kurds have alleged that Turkey used burning White Phosphorus against Children in Syria last week

Gravitas: Kurds Accuse Turkey Of Using Chemical Weapons

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