BEIRUT (AP) — A Monday report from Human Rights Watch alleges that Israeli forces illegally deployed white phosphorus shells against a Lebanese village, using a disputed incendiary weapon in civilian areas.
The organization analyzed and confirmed the location of seven photographs showing Israeli artillery firing white phosphorus into residential sections of Yohmor, a village in southern Lebanon. The bombardment occurred just hours following Israeli military evacuation warnings issued to Yohmor residents and dozens of neighboring southern Lebanese communities.
The rights organization stated it could not verify independently whether any civilians remained in the targeted zone or sustained injuries from the attack.
International law prohibits the deployment of white phosphorus in areas where civilians are present, according to human rights advocates. The white-hot chemical compound can ignite structures and cause severe burns that reach bone level. Those who survive face potential infection risks and possible organ or breathing complications, regardless of burn severity.
“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.
Israeli military officials had not provided a response to requests for comment at the time of publication. Previously, military representatives have stated that white phosphorus serves as screening smoke rather than for targeting civilian populations.
Both Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International reported multiple instances of this munition being deployed during Israel’s previous conflict with Hezbollah more than a year ago, with civilian populations still present in southern Lebanese areas at the time.
