HRW report reveals white phosphorus use by “Israel” in Lebanon

Human Rights Watch said in its latest report Yesterday that “Israel” used white phosphorus incendiary shells on residential buildings in at least five towns and villages in south Lebanon, possibly violating international law.

Human Rights Watch’s researchers heard accounts indicating possible respiratory damage; the Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 173 people have required medical care after exposure to white phosphorus.

The report conducts interviews with Lebanese citizens suffering from the effects of White Phosphorus, and has also verified and geolocated sites where white phosphorus was used on residential buildings in five towns on the Lebanese border.

HRW called on the Lebanese government to allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute “grave international crimes” within Lebanon since October 2023.

“Israel’s recent use of white phosphorus in Lebanon should motivate other countries to take immediate action toward this goal,” HRW Researcher Ramzi Kaiss says.