Israel has recently been accused of using white phosphorus munitions in southern Lebanon, a move condemned as a violation of international law by Human Rights Watch. This organization has raised similar allegations against Israel in light of incidents in Gaza and southern Lebanon since October 2023. These accusations draw attention to the nature of white phosphorus and the serious global concerns surrounding its use in civilian areas.

Characteristics of White Phosphorus

White phosphorus, or WP, is a pale-yellow, waxy substance that ignites spontaneously upon exposure to oxygen, burning at around 815 degrees Celsius. This chemical is historically utilized in warfare for various purposes, including creating smokescreens to hide troop movements, illuminating targets at night, and marking positions for subsequent airstrikes. Its effectiveness in battlefield operations has led to its continued use since World War II.

In the current allegations regarding Lebanon, the munitions in question have been identified as M825-series 155 mm artillery projectiles. These operate by airbursting and ejecting 116 felt wedges soaked in white phosphorus, which can spread across an area of approximately 125 to 250 meters. This characteristic makes it difficult to control where the incendiary elements might land, posing a significant risk in densely populated urban areas.

Consequences of White Phosphorus Exposure

The injuries associated with white phosphorus are severe and often difficult to manage. When it comes into contact with skin, the substance continues to burn as long as oxygen is present, potentially leading to deep tissue damage. Efforts to suppress or wash off the burning material can be futile, as it may reignite when exposed to air again.

In addition to causing direct burns, white phosphorus emits phosphorus pentoxide gas upon combustion, which can inflict serious respiratory harm when inhaled. This can result in conditions such as acute lung injury or even chemical pneumonia. Furthermore, if the substance enters the bloodstream through burn wounds, it poses systemic toxicity risks that can lead to multi-organ failure, thus underscoring its severe health implications.

Legal Status of White Phosphorus

The international legal framework surrounding white phosphorus is complex. While it is not banned outright under international law, it is not categorized as a chemical weapon. Its primary mechanism of harm is through heat rather than toxicity, allowing armies, including those of the United States and United Kingdom, to stock and utilize it legally.

The usage of white phosphorus is governed by Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which regulates incendiary weapons but does not impose an outright ban. Despite being classified primarily as a smoke-generating tool, its potential to cause burns keeps it at the periphery of strict regulation. Protocol III, however, prohibits the use of aerial incendiary devices against military targets in civilian zones and mandates precautions to minimize civilian harm during ground-launched attacks in populated areas.

Implications of the Recent Accusation

The allegations levied by Human Rights Watch focus not solely on the legality of white phosphorus itself but on its deployment method. With the airburst technique reportedly dispersing burning wedges across residential areas, it raises serious concerns regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. Such indiscriminate attacks violate principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, emphasizing the potential for civilian harm, irrespective of the weapon’s classification.

Historical resistance from both Israel and the United States to calls for tightening regulations around Protocol III illustrates the ongoing complexity of this issue in modern warfare. The use of white phosphorus munitions, although not banned, is viewed critically when employed in civilian settings.

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