Human Rights Watch announced that Israeli forces have used white phosphorus in 17 towns in southern Lebanon since October 2023. The organization confirmed: "Israel has illegally used airborne explosive white phosphorus five times over residential areas in southern Lebanon." It continued: Israel's extensive use of white phosphorus highlights the need for stronger international law regarding incendiary weapons.
Earlier, the strategic communications coordinator at the White House National Security Council expressed Washington's concern regarding information about Israel's use of American white phosphorus munitions in Lebanon, following a report by The Washington Post that stated Israel used these munitions during attacks on southern Lebanon last October.
It is noteworthy that the Israeli military has also used white phosphorus munitions against various civilian targets in the Gaza Strip since the start of its war on October 7, which has been highlighted by several media reports; however, the U.S. administration has completely ignored this data.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of using white phosphorus and cluster munitions in the Gaza Strip, with Justice Minister Mohammed Shalaldeh stating that Palestine is requesting the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel's use of prohibited weapons in the bombing of the Strip. Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General's spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in a press conference in New York on October 13 that the organization "has no evidence of Israel's use of white phosphorus."
