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USA TodayOct 05, 2023
Human Rights Watch: Israel Used White Phosphorus Munitions in Gaza and Lebanon
Image copyright: Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images
The Facts
Israel has used white phosphorus munitions in recent attacks on both Gaza and Lebanon, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report issued Thursday.
While the use of white phosphorus — a self-igniting chemical that burns at extremely high temperatures — is permitted under international law when used on battlefields, its use against a civilian population is generally considered a war crime.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
White phosphorus has legitimate military uses. More details — such as the intended target of the alleged attacks as well as the accuracy of these reports — need to be established before we rush to the conclusion that Israel is committing war crimes.
Establishment-critical narrative
Gaza is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Israel's use of white phosphorus is clearly a war crime in this context, violating international law on unnecessarily putting civilians at risk of harm.