The Israeli army rained white phosphorus shells on Gaza and Lebanon

Human Rights Watch reported that the Israel Defense Forces used white phosphorous munitions in strikes on Gaza and Lebanon.

Human rights defenders report this based on video recordings confirming that such shells were used on October 10-11. According to HRW, the footage shows several flashes of white phosphorus fired from artillery shells over the port of Gaza City and two settlements on the Israel-Lebanon border.

White phosphorus causes severe burns and can also cause long-term damage to human health. According to HRW, it is not considered a chemical weapon because it works primarily through heat and fire, rather than a toxic substance.

White phosphorus is used not only as an incendiary weapon, but also to camouflage the movement of troops and create smoke that interferes with infrared optics.

The Israeli army used white phosphorus projectiles during Operation Cast Lead in 2008-2009. At the time, Israel's Foreign Ministry claimed they were being used specifically to create a smoke screen, but HRW activists have documented civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip.

After that, in 2013, Israel's Supreme Court said that the country's military would no longer use white phosphorus in settlements. "Two narrow situations" were excluded, and such situations were reported only to judges.

Source: Daryo.uz