Experts: Israel fired white phosphorus near civilians in Lebanon

The Israeli military has again been accused of using white phosphorus against civilian areas in southern Lebanon, as detailed in a new investigation by The New York Times. The highly flammable and controversial substance can cause severe injuries.

According to the report, as recently as May 30, the Israeli military allegedly fired white phosphorus as its forces advanced in southern Lebanon and took control of the medieval Beaufort Castle. In the nearby city of Nabatieh, which has a population of approximately 40,000, smoke from the self-igniting substance was observed.

The New York Times, using expert analysis and verified image and video material, confirmed the incident. The use of white phosphorus is particularly concerning due to its potential to cause extensive burns and its indiscriminate nature when used in populated areas. International law restricts the use of incendiary weapons in civilian areas, though white phosphorus has legitimate smoke-screening and signaling purposes.