Israel accused of using white phosphorus
ISRAEL: A leading human rights group on Saturday accused Israel of
using white-phosphorus munitions during its offensive in the Gaza Strip
and warned of the risk to Palestinian civilians who live near the
fighting.
Human Rights Watch said in a statement that its researchers in Israel
observed multiple air-bursts on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 of artillery-fired
white phosphorus near the city of Gaza and the Jabalya refugee camp.
“White phosphorus can burn down houses and cause horrific burns when
it touches the skin,” said Marc Garlasco, senior military analyst at
Human Rights Watch.
Israel confirmed in 2006 that it had used phosporus shells during its
war against Hezbollah guerillas in Lebanon. White phosphorus munitions
are not considered chemical weapons. The substance ignites easily in air
at temperatures of about 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) and its fire can be
difficult to extinguish.
Jerusalem, Sunday, Reuters |