As the conflict between Tel Aviv and Hamas enters its sixth day, Gaza continues to bear the brunt of Israeli airstrikes. In the midst of this ongoing violence, Palestinian authorities are sounding the alarm, accusing Israel of deploying white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas within the western region of the occupied territory.
These claims from the oppressed Palestinian population have revived past controversies surrounding Israel’s use of white phosphorus munitions. Notably, Israel faced international criticism and controversy for deploying these incendiary weapons during the 2008-2009 Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead) and the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict (Operation Protective Edge).
Read more:Don’t Trust Twitter for Israel-Hamas War Information
White phosphorus bombs contain a highly reactive and flammable chemical element that ignites spontaneously upon exposure to air, burning intensely. They have historically been used for various military purposes, including generating smoke screens, illuminating targets, and starting fires.
However, the deployment of white phosphorus munitions in densely populated areas raises serious ethical and humanitarian concerns. The substance can cause severe burns and injuries to civilians, and its use in populated regions can result in unintended harm to non-combatants.
Certain international agreements, like the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), place restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons such as phosphorus bombs, particularly when they are deployed near civilian populations.
White phosphorus is notorious for its ability to ignite quickly upon contact with oxygen. This dangerous characteristic can lead to severe consequences, especially in conflict zones.
Despite the controversial history surrounding these munitions, they have been used in past armed conflicts, including both World Wars, as well as in Afghanistan, Syria, and Gaza, according to reports from Human Rights Watch.
In the current conflict, reports have emerged indicating the Israeli military’s use of white phosphorus munitions, including artillery shells loaded with this banned substance, in residential areas. These reports raise substantial concerns regarding the potential impact on civilians, as white phosphorus can cause devastating burns and injuries, and its use in populated regions can inadvertently harm non-combatants.
