Israel has been illegally using white phosphorus in Lebanon- Human Rights Watch

The Israeli military has been reported to have used white phosphorus munitions illegally in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor on March 3, posing serious risks to civilians, according to a report released by Human Rights Watch on Monday. Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher for Human Rights Watch in Lebanon, stated, “The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can lead to death or severe injuries that cause lifelong suffering.” The organization confirmed it had obtained eight images that show white phosphorus being used over residential areas in Yohmor, along with civil defense workers who were responding to fires in that region. Reuters has been unable to independently verify these findings. The Israeli military responded to Reuters, stating that it was not aware of and could not confirm the use of white phosphorus shells in Lebanon. They added that they had not seen the same videos as Human Rights Watch and could not comment on the allegations. There has been no response from Lebanese officials. Earlier on March 3, the Israeli military advised residents of Yohmor and 50 other nearby towns to evacuate. Previously, Reuters reported that Lebanese farmers were testing their soil to see if they could begin planting again after Israel's alleged use of white phosphorus in 2023. As of July 2024, the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research indicated that there were 175 Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon involving white phosphorus since October 2023, many of which started fires that affected over 600 hectares (1,480 acres) of farmland.