Human Rights Watch has verified and geolocated multiple images and videos on social media showing airburst white phosphorus munitions being deployed by the Israeli military over the residential part of a town in southern Lebanon on March 3.
This unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians.
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White phosphorus is a chemical substance dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets that ignites when exposed to oxygen. It can set homes, agricultural areas, and other civilian objects on fire.
Under international humanitarian law, the use of airburst white phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate in populated areas and does not meet the legal requirement to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm.
Human Rights Watch has previously documented the Israeli military’s widespread use of white phosphorus between October 2023 and May 2024 across border villages in southern Lebanon, which put civilians at grave risk and contributed to civilian displacement.
Hundreds of people have been killed in Lebanon since the recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah began on March 2.
The incendiary effects of white phosphorous can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering. Israel should stop firing these munitions in residential areas.
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