The white tendrils of smoke that come down from explosions shot into the air seem to be enough evidence that white phosphorus has been used over the past 2 weeks in Gaza. Add to that are the fires that happen instantly when the tendrils touch earth. Burning fragments have been seen to come from the exploding shells that Israel shot into Gaza. Doctors that have treated people rushed to hospitals after Israeli attacks confirm that the patients suffer from burns identified as the kind that comes from white phosphorus.
Israel denies it has used white phosphorus during its 15-day offensive on Gaza. Those who claim that this chemical bomb was used are met by equally scrutinizing critics that refute this allegation saying no one can ascertain such since international journalists are banned by Israel to cover the war in Gaza. Human Rights Watch, nonetheless, stands by their allegation.
While international law permits the use of white phosphorus as an illuminant that hides troop movements and prevents the enemy from using some guided weapons, the chemical bomb has been used on densely populated areas in Gaza, burning everything that its falling precipitants come in contact with. Skin damage on humans is the least of its effects.
Under the Geneva Conventions which are the concrete and formal implementing rules and regulations of the laws of war, deliberate assault on civilians and their infrastructure is a war crime. This presupposes the use of any kind of weapon or ammunition on civilians. While white phosphorus is used for illumination purposes on the battlefield, it is also proven to be an incendiary bomb whose chemicals can burn people and houses. Israel used it in the 2006 34-day war against Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement. The US used it in the 2004 assault and siege of Fallujah in Iraq. The number of human casualties from both events is widely known.
Via ALJAZEERA
