What Are White Phosphorus Munitions Allegedly Used By Israel in Gaza?

Human Rights Watch has criticised Israeli forces for utilising white phosphorus weapons during military operations in Gaza and Lebanon on 10 and 12 October respectively and alleged that this put civilians at risk of serious and potentially fatal injury.

The Israeli military commented on the accusation, stating that it was "at this time not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza". However, the military declined to comment on its alleged use in Lebanon, reports media.

Israel started bombing Gaza in reprisal for an attack by Hamas this week that left at least 1,300 people dead in southern Israeli cities. Palestinian deaths now total at least 1,500.

In light of this, Sputnik India has decoded everything you need to know about white phosphorus munitions.

Why is White Phosphorus So Dangerous?

White Phosphorus is a solid crystalline material, disseminated by artillery shells, bombs, and rockets, that erupts when exposed to oxygen. As it functions primarily through heat and flame rather than toxicity, it is not regarded as a chemical weapon. This chemical appears transparent and ranges in colour from white to yellow.

White phosphorus is mainly used for military operations due to its incendiary properties, exploding spontaneously when it comes in contact with oxygen. However, when used over wider areas, especially in densely populated areas like Gaza, it increases the risks for civilians.

Rockets are launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, on Gaza City, Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Similarly, it serves as a smokescreen, generating irritating white smoke clouds to hide troop movements from view and it can also disrupt the weapon tracking systems and infrared optics, shielding armed personnel from guided weapons like anti-tank missiles.

White phosphorous was employed by US soldiers in the Second Battle of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004 to "smoke out" cloaked enemies, who were then attacked.

What is There to Know About White Phosphorus Munitions?

White phosphorus causes severe burns that commonly reach the bone and are slow to heal, susceptible to infection, and if not properly treated, will reignite when exposed to air.

Even those who recover from their initial wounds frequently endure lifelong misery. Just a 10% effect of white phosphorus burns on a human body can lead to death.

White phosphorus fires can also kill cattle, damage crops, and destroy private property and structures belonging to people.

The extremely difficult process of treating major burns is further complicated by the poor resources available to medical professionals in armed conflict situations.

Are White Phosphorous Bombs Prohibited?

White phosphorus shells are not allowed in heavily populated civilian areas, according to international law. However, it is acceptable for troops to use it as cover in open areas.

White phosphorus-containing ammunition is regarded as an incendiary weapon and is not explicitly forbidden by international humanitarian law, but their deployment in civilian areas is deemed a war crime.

Palestinian, Israeli, and foreign demonstrators run from tear gas fired by Israeli troops during a demonstration against Israel's separation barrier in the West Bank village Bilin, near Ramallah, Friday, July 3, 2009

Use of white phosphorus has resulted in documented civilian deaths in warzones like Gaza, Afghanistan, and Syria, according to Human Rights Watch.

What Has Israel's Historical White Phosphorus Policy and Practice Been?

Human Rights Watch stated that the Israeli military made heavy use of white phosphorus weapons during its 22-day "Operation Cast Lead" military campaign in Gaza, which took place from 27 December 2008 to 18 January 2009.

HRW further elaborated that Israel has unleashed nearly 200 white phosphorus bombs from the ground into residential parts of Gaza. Israeli forces have mostly used the 155 mm M825E1 artillery shell, which shoots wedges of burning phosphorus 125 metres in all directions to target a larger population area.

UN Reacts to War Crimes in Israel- Hamas War

In the ongoing United Nations inquiry into suspected human rights abuses during the Israeli-Hamas war, UN experts have criticised attacks on civilians, called for an end to hostilities, and exhorted governments to deal with the underlying causes of conflict.

The Commission of Inquiry stressed the need to make those responsible for breaking international law and targeting civilians accountable.