Rights group accuses Israel of using white phosphorus in Lebanon attack

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of illegally using white phosphorus in an attack on a residential area in southern Lebanon last week.

In a report released Monday, the rights group said it verified and geographically located seven recordings related to the incident.

White phosphorus is an incendiary substance that ignites upon contact with oxygen and continues burning until it is fully consumed or the oxygen supply is cut off.

Its effects can be fatal or cause severe injuries with lifelong complications.

“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch.

The Israel Defence Forces did not immediately comment on the allegation.

Under an additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions governing international humanitarian law, the use of phosphorus-based weapons is prohibited if there is a risk they could primarily harm civilians.

According to the Human Rights Watch report, the Israeli military had issued evacuation warnings before the attack on March 3, urging civilians to stay at least 1,000 meters away from the targeted area.

However, it remains unclear whether any residents were directly harmed by the suspected use of white phosphorus. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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