After Gaza, Israel Used White Phosphorus Shells in Southern Lebanon: Media Reports

In a recent offensive operation near the Lebanese border, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly employed white phosphorus munitions.

This was reported by Lebanon's state-run news agency, Al Wataniya.

The operation primarily targeted residential areas, particularly those adjacent to the Blue Line, the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel, resulting in casualties. However, specific casualty figures have not been disclosed in the report.

This incident follows a prior occurrence on October 11, when the Lebanese news agency revealed the use of white phosphorus during Israeli airstrikes in South Lebanon. Israeli Ambassador to Moscow, Alexander Ben Zvi, subsequently issued a statement denying the use of white phosphorus bombs by Israel.

White phosphorus munitions have sparked controversy due to their harm to civilians. They are prohibited in populated areas because of their incendiary properties, causing severe burns. These munitions easily ignite upon contact with oxygen, resulting in fires and explosions. Fires from white phosphorus bombs can extend widely and persist until the phosphorus is depleted. Treating individuals exposed to white phosphorus is complex as it can enter the body through various means, adhere to surfaces, and be contagious. Therefore, specialized training is essential for those handling injuries from these munitions to protect themselves.

In addition to the recent incident near the Lebanese border, Amnesty International published evidence of the Israeli military's use of white phosphorus in densely populated civilian areas in the Gaza Strip since October 7. The evidence includes images of M109 155 mm type howitzers stockpiled in the city of Sderot, close to the Gaza border, as well as M825 and M825A1 artillery shells labeled D528, which are identified as "white phosphorus-based munitions" by the U.S. Department of Defense. The evidence suggests that white phosphorus ammunition was used alongside highly explosive artillery shells, producing dense white smoke upon explosion, consistent with the use of M825 and M825A1 artillery shells.