Why did Israel use white phosphorus in Gaza?

Israel has insisted that its use of white phosphorus in the conflict was permitted under international law and that it sought to avoid unnecessary civilian deaths in Gaza. As a weapon, white phosphorus is used to mark enemy targets and to produce smoke for concealing troop movements.

When did Israel use white phosphorus?

White phosphorus can be used legally in some battlefield situations; Israel’s use of it during the 2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza drew war-crimes allegations from the UN. As recently as 2013, Syrian government forces attacked a building near a school in northern Aleppo province.

Has Israel used chemical weapons?

Chemical weapons were first used during World War I. During the 2008/2009 Gaza war, Israel used the controversial chemical agent white phosphorus, which can severely burn people and set fire to homes.

Is white phosphorus against the Geneva Convention?

The use of white phosphorus is not banned under international convention when it is used as an obscurant – to make a smokescreen or to illuminate a target (white phosphorus glows green when exposed to oxygen). To use it for incendiary weapons in civilian areas is banned under the Geneva convention.

Is white phosphorus being used in Gaza?

Israel’s military has denied the use of white phosphorus in attacks on Gaza. This comes after hundreds took to social media claiming the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were using the toxic munitions against Palestinians in the coastal enclave.

What does white phosphorus do to humans?

HIGHLIGHTS: White phosphorus is a waxy solid which burns easily and is used in chemical manufacturing and smoke munitions. Exposure to white phosphorus may cause burns and irritation, liver, kidney, heart, lung, or bone damage, and death.

Does Palestine use white phosphorus?

Israel’s military has denied the use of white phosphorus in attacks on Gaza. This comes after hundreds took to social media claiming the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were using the toxic munitions against Palestinians in the coastal enclave. Because white phosphorus has legal industrial uses, it is not restricted.

What does white phosphorus do to the body?

What does white phosphorus do in war?

White phosphorus is primarily designed to take advantage of its smoke-producing properties to mark or illuminate targets, mask friendly force movement, and the like. The incendiary effects of WP are incidental to the illuminant and smoke effects it is designed to produce.

When did Israel stop using white phosphorus in Gaza?

A report by Human Rights Watch shows that the IDF used white phosphorus munitions during a 22-day military operation in Gaza, from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009, named Operation Cast Lead. In 2013, Israel said it would stop using white phosphorus munitions to create smokescreens on the battlefield.

Did Israel use white phosphorus during Operation Cast Lead?

This report documents Israel’s extensive use of white phosphorus munitions during its 22-day military operations in Gaza, from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009, named Operation Cast Lead.

What is the Israel Defense Forces doing in Gaza?

Based on in-depth investigations in Gaza, the report concludes that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) repeatedly exploded white phosphorus munitions in the air over populated areas, killing and injuring civilians, and damaging civilian structures, including a school, a market, a humanitarian aid warehouse and a hospital.

Why is Israel getting rid of shells with white phosphorus?

The Israeli military says it is to stop using artillery shells with white phosphorus to create smokescreens on the battlefield. It says shells will be replaced with types based completely on gas, which will create the same effect.