White Phosphorus Use in Lebanon: Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Context:
Recently, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during military operations in southern Lebanon.
Background of the Incident:
-
-
- The allegations emerged amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have repeatedly clashed along the Israel–Lebanon border. On 3 March 2026, HRW reported that Israeli forces deployed airburst white phosphorus shells over residential areas in Yohmor, causing fires in homes and vehicles.
- HRW stated that it verified several images showing the use of these munitions and documented emergency responders dealing with fires in the affected area.
- The conflict has already caused significant humanitarian consequences. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and large numbers of civilians displaced as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in southern Lebanon.
- The allegations emerged amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which have repeatedly clashed along the Israel–Lebanon border. On 3 March 2026, HRW reported that Israeli forces deployed airburst white phosphorus shells over residential areas in Yohmor, causing fires in homes and vehicles.
-
About White Phosphorus:
-
-
- White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites on contact with oxygen, producing intense heat and thick smoke.
- Its military uses include:
- Creating smokescreens to conceal troop movements
- Illuminating battlefields during night operations
- Marking targets for artillery
- However, white phosphorus can also function as an incendiary weapon, capable of causing severe burns, respiratory damage, organ failure, and even death when it comes into contact with human skin.
- Because of these devastating effects, its use in civilian areas is highly controversial.
- Creating smokescreens to conceal troop movements
- White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites on contact with oxygen, producing intense heat and thick smoke.
-
Legal Status under International Law:
-
-
- White phosphorus itself is not completely banned under international law. It can be used for legitimate military purposes such as smoke generation or illumination.
- However, international humanitarian law restricts its use in populated areas. Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against military targets located among civilians.
- Human Rights Watch argues that firing white phosphorus shells over residential areas could violate these legal norms because the weapon’s indiscriminate effects endanger civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- White phosphorus itself is not completely banned under international law. It can be used for legitimate military purposes such as smoke generation or illumination.
-
Humanitarian Concerns:
-
-
- Human rights organizations warn that white phosphorus can have devastating humanitarian impacts:
- Severe and deep chemical burns that are difficult to treat
- Respiratory injuries from toxic smoke
- Long-term environmental damage and fires
- The use of such weapons in civilian areas raises questions about compliance with the principles of distinction and proportionality, which are fundamental to the laws of war.
- Severe and deep chemical burns that are difficult to treat
- Human rights organizations warn that white phosphorus can have devastating humanitarian impacts:
-
Conclusion:
The allegations by Human Rights Watch regarding Israel’s use of white phosphorus in Lebanon highlight the complex intersection of modern warfare, international law, and humanitarian protection. While white phosphorus has legitimate military applications, its deployment in populated areas can pose serious risks to civilians and potentially violate international norms. The controversy underscores the need for stronger adherence to international humanitarian law and accountability mechanisms in contemporary conflicts.
