Investigating Allegations: Israel’s Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza

Israel Accused of Using White Phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon

The Allegations and the Israeli Defense Force’s Response

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions in its recent military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The rights group claims that the use of such weapons puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury. In response, the Israeli military has vehemently denied the accusations, stating that “the current accusation made against the IDF regarding the use of white phosphorus in Gaza is unequivocally false.”

It is important to note that while the Israeli military denied the use of white phosphorus in Gaza, its statement did not explicitly address the use of these munitions in Lebanon. Israel has been bombarding Gaza in retaliation for attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the death of at least 1,300 people. The conflict has escalated, with Israel also trading barbs with Lebanon’s Hezbollah group.

Evidence and Verification

Human Rights Watch claims to have verified videos taken in Lebanon on October 10 and Gaza on October 11, which purportedly show the use of white phosphorus munitions. The videos depict “multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border.” The rights group provided links to two videos posted on social media, showing what it believes to be “155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles being used, apparently as smokescreens, marking, or signaling.” However, Human Rights Watch did not provide links to videos showing the alleged use of white phosphorus in Gaza.

Palestinian TV channels have also aired videos showing thin plumes of white smoke over Gaza, claiming that these were caused by white phosphorus munitions. However, these accounts have not been independently verified by Reuters or other media outlets.

The Legality and Controversy Surrounding White Phosphorus

White phosphorus is a controversial weapon due to its potential to inflict serious burns and start fires. While it is not explicitly banned as a chemical weapon under international conventions, white phosphorus is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons. This protocol prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against military targets in civilian-populated areas.

It is worth noting that Israel has not signed this protocol and therefore is not legally bound by its provisions. However, even if the use of white phosphorus is not in violation of legally binding agreements, its use raises ethical questions. The potential harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure cannot be ignored.

Editorial and Advice

The allegations made by Human Rights Watch against Israel regarding the use of white phosphorus are serious and require a thorough investigation. If these allegations are proven true, it would underscore the need for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law.

In any conflict, it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to the principles of proportionality and distinction. The use of weapons that can cause significant harm to civilians, such as white phosphorus, should be avoided whenever possible.

As tensions continue to rise between Israel and various groups in the region, it is crucial for international bodies to monitor and document any potential violations of human rights and international law. These allegations should be thoroughly investigated by independent and impartial bodies in order to establish the truth and hold accountable any party found to have committed violations.

Ultimately, the key to ending the cycle of violence and ensuring lasting peace in the Middle East lies in meaningful dialogue, de-escalation of tensions, and respect for human rights. Only through a commitment to these principles can a just and lasting solution be achieved.