When the weapon is groundburst, the danger zone is more concentrated, and the smokescreen remains for longer. In so doing, however, it spreads the incendiary effects over a wider area, and in densely populated areas like Gaza it increases the risks to civilians. When airburst, white phosphorus covers a larger area than when groundburst and is useful to mask large troop movements. © 2023 Mohammed Adeb/AFP via Getty Images It also interferes with infrared optics and weapon tracking systems, thus protecting military forces from guided weapons such as anti-tank missiles.Īirbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus fall over the Gaza city port, October 11, 2023. It can create a smokescreen at night or during the day to mask the visual movement of troops. White phosphorus is used primarily to obscure military operations on the ground. White phosphorus can be delivered via felt wedges soaked in phosphorus and emits a distinct “garlic” smell. It is not considered a chemical weapon because it operates primarily by heat and flame rather than toxicity. It produces light and a thick smoke used for military purposes, but also inflicts horrific injuries when the phosphorus comes in contact with people. The chemical reaction creates intense 815-degree Celsius heat. White phosphorus is a chemical substance, dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets, that ignites when exposed to oxygen. What has been Israel’s past policy and practice regarding white phosphorus?.What is the status of white phosphorus under international law?.It also highlights the need to reexamine the status and adequacy of Protocol III of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), currently the only international law dedicated to governing incendiary weapons. Its use in densely populated areas of Gaza violates the requirement under international humanitarian law that parties to the conflict take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian injury and loss of life. White phosphorus, which can be used as a smokescreen or a weapon, has the potential to cause civilian harm due to the severe burns it causes and its lingering long-term effects on survivors. The videos show multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border. Human Rights Watch has determined based on verified video and witness accounts that Israeli forces used white phosphorus in military operations in Lebanon and Gaza on October 10 and 11, 2023, respectively.
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