The Controversial Use of White Phosphorus in Conflict Zones: Examining Israel’s Tactics in Gaza and Lebanon

Israel‘s Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon: A Violation of International Humanitarian Law

Introduction

Israel‘s recent use of white phosphorus during military operations in Gaza and Lebanon has drawn significant international concern. Human Rights Watch, a leading human rights organization, has released evidence showing the use of this incendiary weapon and its grave risks to civilians. White phosphorus, which can be used for various purposes such as marking, signaling, or obscuring, can also cause severe burns and set structures on fire. Its use in densely populated areas like Gaza violates international humanitarian law and exposes innocent civilians to unnecessary harm.

The Evidence

Human Rights Watch has verified videos taken in both Lebanon and Gaza, showing multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus projectiles. These videos depict the projectiles falling over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel–Lebanon border. The organization also interviewed eyewitnesses who described observing attacks consistent with the use of white phosphorus. The smell of the burning material and the characteristic dense white smoke further confirmed its use.

The Risks to Civilians

The use of white phosphorus in crowded civilian areas poses a high risk of excruciating burns and lifelong suffering. The substance can burn people thermally and chemically down to the bone, causing extensive scarring and physical disabilities. Even minor burns can be fatal, and the trauma, painful treatment, and appearance-changing scars can lead to psychological harm and social exclusion.

Violation of International Humanitarian Law

The use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas like Gaza violates the principle of taking all feasible precautions to avoid civilian injury and loss of life. It magnifies the risk to civilians and violates the international humanitarian law prohibition on putting civilians at unnecessary risk. Moreover, the technique of airbursting white phosphorus projectiles spreads burning wedges over a wide area, exposing more civilians to potential harm than a localized ground burst.

The Call for Action

The Israeli authorities have not yet commented on whether white phosphorus was used during the ongoing conflict. However, given the evidence presented by Human Rights Watch, it is essential for Israel to cease using airburst white phosphorus munitions in populated areas without exception. It is crucial to protect civilians and minimize their suffering during armed conflicts. Non-lethal alternatives to white phosphorus smoke shells, including those produced by Israeli companies, exist and should be implemented to reduce harm to civilians.

International Response and Legal Framework

The use of air-delivered incendiary weapons in civilian areas is prohibited under Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW). However, there are weaker restrictions for ground-launched incendiary weapons, which some countries argue exclude white phosphorus munitions. Human Rights Watch and numerous states have long called for closing these loopholes in Protocol III. The recent incidents involving white phosphorus should serve as a catalyst for discussions on the adequacy of the protocol during the upcoming CCW Meeting of States Parties.

Conclusion

Israel‘s use of white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon poses grave risks to civilians and violates international humanitarian law. The indiscriminate nature of this weapon in densely populated areas exacerbates the harm caused to innocent individuals. It is imperative for Israel to cease using airburst white phosphorus munitions and adopt non-lethal alternatives that minimize civilian suffering. The international community must also take action to address the loopholes in the legal framework governing incendiary weapons. It is only through collective efforts that we can ensure the protection of civilians during armed conflicts and prevent further human rights violations.