Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of using white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon in its military strikes against Hamas, putting civilians at serious risk. Video has emerged showing multiple uses of artillery-fired white phosphorus over densely populated areas in Gaza, violating international law and raising concerns about the legality of such actions. Apart from HRW, the Washington Post claimed to have verified the footage of the alleged use of white phosphorus by Israel.
What is White Phosphorus Bomb?
White phosphorus is a highly inflammable chemical substance which is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs and rockets and ignites when exposed to oxygen. While not classified as a chemical weapon, it causes severe burns, often down to the bone, and can reignite when exposed to oxygen. The substance is known for its intense heat, reaching up to 815 degrees Celsius, and thick smoke, making it one of the most lethal weapons in military operations. The use of white phosphorous bombs can cause widespread damage and long-term injury.
Why is White Phosphorus Illegal?
The use of white phosphorus in populated areas leads to horrific injuries, with burns covering just 10% of a human body often proving fatal. Survivors face a lifetime of suffering, including mobility issues and psychological trauma. Additionally, white phosphorus fires can destroy civilian structures, damage crops and kill livestock, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
International Law on the use of white phosphorus in war
Though incendiary weapons, including those containing white phosphorus, are not explicitly banned by international humanitarian law, states are required to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians.
Also Read: Israel Hamas war LIVE Updates: US Defence Secretary meets Israeli counterpart, emphasises zero tolerance for terrorism
According to the United Nations, the efforts to combat the menace of incendiary weapons date back to the 1970s, when concerns over napalm usage were on the rise. In 1972, the UN General Assembly, deeming incendiary weapons ‘a category of arms viewed with horror’, adopted a resolution highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
In 1980, the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects was established. This convention aimed to ban or restrict the use of specific weapon types causing undue suffering to combatants or indiscriminately affecting civilians. Protocol III of this convention emerged as a crucial step, specifically curbing the use of incendiary weapons.
Under the Protocol on prohibitions or restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons (Protocol III), the primary objective is to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure from these deadly arms. The protocol categorically forbids the deliberate targeting of civilians and imposes restrictions on military objects within populated areas.
Notably, the use of incendiary weapons on forests or plants is strictly prohibited, except when vegetation conceals military installations. However, there are significant loopholes, allowing for continued debate over the legality of their use.
Israel’s past use of white phosphorus
Israel faced international outrage in 2008-2009 during Operation Cast Lead when it fired approximately 200 ground-launched white phosphorus munitions into populated areas of Gaza. Although Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed the shells were used for smokescreens, HRW found dozens of civilian casualties and damage to civilian structures.
Also Read: Nukhba Force: All you need to know about Hamas’ lethal military unit in target of Israel Army
In response to the controversy, Israel's High Court of Justice called on the Israeli military to conduct a thorough examination and adopt a permanent military directive regarding the use of white phosphorus. While Israel announced the development of new smoke shells without white phosphorus in 2013, recent events raise concerns about the country's adherence to these commitments.
Amid the ongoing war triggered by Hamas’ deadly attacks on October 7, Israel’s deployment of white phosphorus has drawn international concern. As of October 12, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 1,300 Israelis, including numerous civilians, with hundreds held hostage, in violation of international humanitarian law.
Simultaneously, heavy Israeli bombardment in Gaza has resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 1,400 Palestinians, including civilians, and forced over 338,000 people to flee their homes, according to reports. Southern Israel, too, witnesses displaced communities, and over 1,500 Palestinian militants have reportedly lost their lives in Israel.
Adding to the crisis, Israeli authorities have severed essential supplies, including electricity, water, fuel and food, to Gaza. This action flagrantly breaches international humanitarian law, prohibiting collective punishment and worsening the already dire humanitarian situation after 16 years of Israeli closure.
Also Read: A look at US military aid to Israel following Hamas assault
BREAKING: Israel has used white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, putting civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries.
White phosphorus causes excruciating burns and can set homes afire. Its use in populated areas is unlawful.https://t.co/TbCVA5Qynp pic.twitter.com/4UKANHTwI2
— Human Rights Watch (@hrw) October 12, 2023
What is White Phosphorus Bomb?
White phosphorus is a highly inflammable chemical substance which is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs and rockets and ignites when exposed to oxygen. While not classified as a chemical weapon, it causes severe burns, often down to the bone, and can reignite when exposed to oxygen. The substance is known for its intense heat, reaching up to 815 degrees Celsius, and thick smoke, making it one of the most lethal weapons in military operations. The use of white phosphorous bombs can cause widespread damage and long-term injury.
Why is White Phosphorus Illegal?
The use of white phosphorus in populated areas leads to horrific injuries, with burns covering just 10% of a human body often proving fatal. Survivors face a lifetime of suffering, including mobility issues and psychological trauma. Additionally, white phosphorus fires can destroy civilian structures, damage crops and kill livestock, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
International Law on the use of white phosphorus in war
Though incendiary weapons, including those containing white phosphorus, are not explicitly banned by international humanitarian law, states are required to take all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians.
Also Read: Israel Hamas war LIVE Updates: US Defence Secretary meets Israeli counterpart, emphasises zero tolerance for terrorism
According to the United Nations, the efforts to combat the menace of incendiary weapons date back to the 1970s, when concerns over napalm usage were on the rise. In 1972, the UN General Assembly, deeming incendiary weapons ‘a category of arms viewed with horror’, adopted a resolution highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
In 1980, the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the use of certain conventional weapons which may be deemed to be excessively injurious or to have indiscriminate effects was established. This convention aimed to ban or restrict the use of specific weapon types causing undue suffering to combatants or indiscriminately affecting civilians. Protocol III of this convention emerged as a crucial step, specifically curbing the use of incendiary weapons.
Under the Protocol on prohibitions or restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons (Protocol III), the primary objective is to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure from these deadly arms. The protocol categorically forbids the deliberate targeting of civilians and imposes restrictions on military objects within populated areas.
Notably, the use of incendiary weapons on forests or plants is strictly prohibited, except when vegetation conceals military installations. However, there are significant loopholes, allowing for continued debate over the legality of their use.
Israel’s past use of white phosphorus
Israel faced international outrage in 2008-2009 during Operation Cast Lead when it fired approximately 200 ground-launched white phosphorus munitions into populated areas of Gaza. Although Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed the shells were used for smokescreens, HRW found dozens of civilian casualties and damage to civilian structures.
Also Read: Nukhba Force: All you need to know about Hamas’ lethal military unit in target of Israel Army
In response to the controversy, Israel's High Court of Justice called on the Israeli military to conduct a thorough examination and adopt a permanent military directive regarding the use of white phosphorus. While Israel announced the development of new smoke shells without white phosphorus in 2013, recent events raise concerns about the country's adherence to these commitments.
Amid the ongoing war triggered by Hamas’ deadly attacks on October 7, Israel’s deployment of white phosphorus has drawn international concern. As of October 12, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 1,300 Israelis, including numerous civilians, with hundreds held hostage, in violation of international humanitarian law.
Simultaneously, heavy Israeli bombardment in Gaza has resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 1,400 Palestinians, including civilians, and forced over 338,000 people to flee their homes, according to reports. Southern Israel, too, witnesses displaced communities, and over 1,500 Palestinian militants have reportedly lost their lives in Israel.
Adding to the crisis, Israeli authorities have severed essential supplies, including electricity, water, fuel and food, to Gaza. This action flagrantly breaches international humanitarian law, prohibiting collective punishment and worsening the already dire humanitarian situation after 16 years of Israeli closure.
Also Read: A look at US military aid to Israel following Hamas assault
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