NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — In recent military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, Israel‘s use of white phosphorus has raised concerns over the safety of civilians in the conflict zones. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has verified videos that show multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus in these regions.
White phosphorus is a substance known for its incendiary effect, capable of causing severe burns to people and igniting structures, fields, and civilian objects, posing a significant risk to the civilian population.
The use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas, such as Gaza, is of particular concern as it increases the risk to civilians and violates international humanitarian law, which prohibits putting civilians at unnecessary risk. These concerns are exacerbated when white phosphorus is airburst in urban areas because it can spread burning wedges over a large area, potentially harming more civilians and structures than a localized ground burst.
🚨NEW VIDEO: #Israel attack the residential neighborhoods in #Gaza with the internationally prohibited white phosphorus bombs pic.twitter.com/BmBan47PRF
— ORDO News (@ordonews) October 11, 2023
According to HRW, white phosphorus has the potential to cause excruciating burns and lifelong suffering. Upon contact, it can burn people down to the bone, with the substance being highly soluble in fat and therefore in human flesh.
White phosphorus fragments can worsen wounds even after treatment and may enter the bloodstream, leading to multiple organ failure. Even minor burns can be fatal, and for survivors, the extensive scarring can cause physical disabilities and psychological trauma.
#BREAKING Reports of Israel using white phosphorus bombs in Gaza (VIDEO) – https://t.co/CLKS6PTdTQ pic.twitter.com/gW01K65SW0
— ORDO News (@ordonews) October 10, 2023
#BREAKING White phosphorus weapons used by Israel in Gaza airstrikes – reports https://t.co/MN3rIlLmkQ
— ORDO News (@ordonews) October 9, 2023
The use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas is in violation of international humanitarian law’s requirement to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian injury and loss of life. HRW is particularly concerned about the technique of airbursting white phosphorus projectiles, which spreads burning wedges over a wide area. Israeli authorities have not commented on whether they used white phosphorus during the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s use of white phosphorus comes amid ongoing hostilities following attacks by Hamas, which have led to casualties and rocket attacks, resulting in the deaths of civilians and the taking of hostages in violation of international humanitarian law. The heavy Israeli bombardment of Gaza has led to numerous Palestinian casualties and displacements. HRW has documented Israel’s use of white phosphorus in previous conflicts in Gaza, including in 2009.
In response to concerns over the use of white phosphorus, the Israeli military indicated in 2013 that it would no longer use white phosphorus in populated areas except in specific, narrowly defined situations. Human Rights Watch and many states have long called for closing the loopholes in international law regarding incendiary weapons.
The recent use of white phosphorus underscores the importance of these discussions in international forums, particularly the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) Meeting of States Parties, scheduled for November at the United Nations in Geneva.
To minimize civilian harm, HRW has urged Israel to stop using white phosphorus in populated areas and has called on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the safety of civilians.
The use of incendiary weapons in civilian areas is prohibited under international law, and the ongoing discussions aim to strengthen these legal provisions. Palestine and Lebanon have ratified Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons, which addresses incendiary weapons, while Israel has not ratified it.
HRW Calls for Ceasefire and Protection of Civilians in Gaza
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and has condemned all indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks that harm innocent people.
HRW has documented and verified civilian casualties from Israeli and Palestinian attacks and raised concerns about the potential war crimes committed by both parties in the conflict. The organization’s investigations have highlighted the impact of hostilities on civilians, including casualties among children, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, such as schools and homes.
The conflict has had severe humanitarian consequences, displacing tens of thousands of Palestinians and overwhelming already fragile healthcare facilities. HRW has emphasized the need for the international community to prioritize the protection of civilians and called on the parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law, which includes respecting the principle of distinction, proportionality, and the protection of civilians.
HRW has further called on the international community to hold those responsible for potential war crimes accountable, urging the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for crimes committed during the hostilities. As the conflict continues, HRW continues to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law.
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Human Rights Watch contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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