Israel used white phosphorus bombs in populated areas in southern Lebanon during operations against the Hezbollah group, according to The New York Times (NYT). The use of the substance, which has high fire powerwas recorded in cities such as Nabatieh and Tire, in addition to the villages of Qlayaa, Khiam and Yohmor.
According to the newspaper, records show smoke trails characteristic of this bomb in Nabatieh, a city of about 40 thousand inhabitantson the 30th. Armament experts identified the projectiles as M825A1, from North American manufacturing. These artillery pieces 155mm they are designed to release 116 fragments impregnated with white phosphoruswhich ignite in contact with air.
White phosphorus is not a substance prohibited by international law when used for signaling purposes or creating smoke screens. However, the laws of war prohibit its deliberate use against civilians or in urban areas due to severe physical damage.
A World Health Organization (WHO) points out that the component causes deep burns which can reach the bones, in addition to respiratory damage and organ failure if inhaled.
Experts at Human Rights Watch highlight that burns can be reactivated when bandages are removed and the substance is exposed to oxygen again. In addition to the human damage, the Lebanese government has sent notifications to the United Nations reporting more than 600 fires in forests and agricultural areas caused by the use of white phosphorus since October 2023.
What the Israeli Army says
When contacted by the newspaper, the Israeli Army (IDF) did not comment on the specific incidents in Nabatieh and Tyre. In a statement, the military stated that its Internal procedures prohibit the use of projectiles in populated areasbut considered that there are exceptions.
The note further states that the use of white phosphorus munitions by Israeli forces aims to creating smoke for camouflagenot attacking targets or starting fires.
The use of this weaponry by Israel has already been target of investigation in previous conflictsas in the Gaza Strip in 2009 and in Lebanon in 1982 and 2006.
In 2013, the Israeli Army announced that it would significantly reduce the use of white phosphorus after pressure from human rights organizations.
The NYT reports that other nations, such as USA, Russia e Ukrainehave also been accused of using the substance in recent military operations.
