Israel’s use of white phosphorus bombs in attacks on Gaza raises serious concerns

Israel’s use of white phosphorus bombs in its attacks on Gaza has raised serious concerns about the impact on civilians and the violation of international laws. White phosphorus is a dangerous incendiary substance that ignites contact with oxygen and can have devastating effects when inhaled or in direct contact with skin.

Amnesty International has collected compelling evidence confirming the use of white phosphorus artillery shells by Israel in Gaza. The substance is notorious for its ability to create acid droplets upon combustion, posing a significant threat to human health.

Hacettepe University Environmental Engineering Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Ayşe Müge Andaç describes the white phosphorus bomb as a hazardous weapon that continues to burn as long as it is exposed to oxygen. It can affect people through inhalation, causing damage to the lungs and skin when in contact.

White phosphorus can be used in military activities for creating fog clouds, location determination, and target confusion when employed in small quantities and away from populated areas. However, using it in residential areas, especially when attached to incendiary ammunition like rockets, missiles, and mortars, is considered a violation of international law.

The intentional use of white phosphorus ammunition against civilians is strictly prohibited, as is the deliberate targeting of civilians with lethal military weapons, according to international law. Proving whether white phosphorus was intentionally deployed in civilian areas can be challenging but is not impossible.

In past conflicts, such as “Operation Cast Lead” in 2008-2009 and “Operation Protective Edge” in 2014, Israel faced allegations of using white phosphorus ammunition in densely populated regions of Gaza. These actions resulted in extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure, industrial facilities, and had dire consequences for the civilian population.