Two major non-governmental organisations (NGOs) accuse the Israeli army of having used munitions containing white phosphorus in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defense Forces deny the accusations. Here is what to know about this incendiary weapon and the rules governing its use.
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Israel allegedly used white phosphorus munitions on October 10 and 11 during aerial assaults on Gaza in response to the deadly Hamas attack, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International.
“Israel has used white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, putting civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries,” wrote HWR on the social media platform X. “White phosphorus causes excruciating burns and can set homes afire. Its use in populated areas is unlawful,” added the statement.
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
The NGOs shared videos to support their allegations showing dense white columns of smoke following the bombings. Several experts interviewed by France Info and the Washington Post confirm this hypothesis.
Israeli authorities have officially denied using white phosphorus. “The State of Israel has not deployed the use of such munitions,” wrote the Israeli embassy in France in a statement. “In accordance with international law, this type of weapon is not used by the Israel Defense Forces against the terrorist group…
Source : france24
