Human Rights Watch has confirmed that Israel is using white phosphorus over civilian homes in Lebanon, a move described as “extremely alarming” for the safety of residents.
Verified images show airburst white phosphorus munitions being deployed over residential neighborhoods, with civil defense teams responding to fires in homes and vehicles.
The chemical substance is capable of burning human flesh down to the bone and can ignite buildings, putting civilians at immediate risk of injury or death.
The organization geolocated seven images showing the deployment of these incendiary munitions, with at least two homes and a car set on fire.
Survivors of white phosphorus burns face severe health risks, including infections, organ failure, and respiratory complications, even if injuries appear small.
Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated: “The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians.”
White phosphorus is classified as an incendiary weapon under international law. Its use in populated areas violates the legal requirement to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians.
Human Rights Watch emphasized that airburst deployment in residential neighborhoods is indiscriminate, making it impossible to target combatants without putting civilians at risk. The organization warned that continued use could result in long-term suffering, with injuries causing permanent disfigurement and psychological trauma.
Israel has not publicly commented on the specific allegations of white phosphorus use in Lebanon. However, the material has been employed historically in conflicts for illumination, smoke screens, and incendiary purposes.
Its deployment over civilian areas remains a serious concern under international humanitarian law.
Civil defense teams on the ground in Lebanon have reported fire outbreaks in multiple homes and vehicles following airburst strikes. Residents have been evacuated from affected areas, and emergency services are struggling to contain fires caused by the chemical substance.
Aid organizations warn that any delay in medical treatment for white phosphorus burns significantly increases the risk of fatal infections.
The conflict in Lebanon is part of a wider escalation between Israel and Iran-backed groups in the region. Analysts warn that the use of white phosphorus in populated areas could further inflame tensions, potentially triggering retaliation and complicating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
Humanitarian groups are calling for immediate cessation of incendiary weapon deployment in residential zones to protect civilians and uphold international law.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have previously condemned the use of white phosphorus in urban areas, highlighting its severe effects on civilians.
Experts say its incendiary properties make it particularly dangerous in densely populated neighborhoods, as it ignites fires that spread uncontrollably and burn at extreme temperatures.
Human Rights Watch urges Israel to conduct investigations and hold accountable any military units responsible for unlawful deployment.
The organization stresses that protection of civilian life must remain paramount, and that the use of incendiary weapons like white phosphorus in residential zones constitutes a serious violation of humanitarian law.
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