Human Rights Watch announced today, Wednesday, that the Israeli occupation army has used white phosphorus munitions against at least 17 towns in southern Lebanon since last October, endangering the lives of civilians and contributing to their displacement.

The organization said that Israel's widespread use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon exposes civilians to grave danger and contributes to the displacement of civilians.

She continued: Human Rights Watch has verified the use of white phosphorus munitions by Israeli forces in at least 17 towns in southern Lebanon since October 2023, five of which were illegally used aerial explosive munitions over populated residential areas.

It quoted the mayor of Al-Bustan as saying that two people from the town were taken to a hospital due to suffocation due to inhaling white phosphorus smoke following an attack last October 15. They were civilians who were in their homes. One is a municipality member and the other is a farmer.

The organization's researcher, Ramzi Qais, stressed that Israel's use of air-explosive white phosphorus shells in populated areas indiscriminately harms civilians and prompts many to leave their homes.

The organization stressed that "Israel's widespread use of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon highlights the need for stronger international law on incendiary weapons."

She pointed out that Protocol III to the Convention on Conventional Weapons is the only legally binding instrument specifically dedicated to incendiary weapons.

It is noteworthy that white phosphorus is a chemical substance used in artillery shells, bombs, and missiles. It ignites when exposed to oxygen, and its incendiary effects cause death or severe injuries that lead to lifelong suffering. It can set fire to homes, agricultural areas, and other areas. It is an internationally prohibited substance in the regions. populated.