The organization said it had verified images showing white phosphorus munitions being dispersed in the air over the inhabited part of the town of Yohmor, in Nabatieh district, as well as civil defense workers responding to fires in homes and cars.
“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” Ramzi Kaiss of Human Rights Watch said.
“The incendiary effects of white phosphorous can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering,” he added.
White phosphorus is a substance used in shells and rockets that ignites and burns on contact with oxygen. It is used for purposes including screening, marking and illumination. International humanitarian law prohibits its use in populated areas where civilians could be burned, the source text said.
Human Rights Watch said it had repeatedly documented the use of white phosphorus in border villages in southern Lebanon, including during Israel’s previous war with Hezbollah, which contributed to the displacement of residents from areas targeted by the Israeli army near the Lebanese-Israeli border.
(jh)
Source: Polish Radio