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.

Did Israel ever use white phosphorus?

The Israeli government released a report in July 2009 that confirmed that the IDF used white phosphorus in both exploding munitions and smoke projectiles. The report argues that the use of these munitions was limited to unpopulated areas for marking and signalling and not as an anti-personnel weapon.

When did Israel stop using white phosphorus?

2008-2009
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel said on Friday it was phasing out white phosphorus smokescreen munitions whose use during its 2008-2009 offensive in the heavily populated Gaza Strip drew war crimes allegations.

Is white phosphorus legal for civilians?

White phosphorus is routinely held by militaries around the world and is used legally in combat as a smokescreen in daytime and as an incendiary to light up an area at night. But it is illegal to use it against civilians, because it causes serious and exceptionally painful burns on contact with skin.

Does the US still use white phosphorus?

The U.S. military has admitted using white phosphorus in the 2004 battle for Fallujah in Iraq, and in Afghanistan in 2009. Israel used it in the 2008 Gaza war, but said in 2013 that it would stop.

Are phosphorus shells banned?

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.

Are white phosphorus rounds illegal?

White phosphorus munitions are per se a lawful weapon that can be used against the enemy consistent with the normal laws of targeting. However, white phosphorus munitions, like any lawful weapon, can be used in numerous unlawful manners, such as to specifically target civilians or launch attacks indiscriminately.

Why is white phosphorus not banned?

Because it has legal uses, white phosphorus is not banned as a chemical weapon under international conventions. “Infection is common and the body’s absorption of the chemical can cause serious damage to internal organs, as well as death,” Human Rights Watch says.

Why is red phosphorus illegal?

Because of its connection to meth production, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration regulates the sale of red phosphorus in the United States, along with white phosphorus and hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2).

What neutralizes white phosphorus?

Copper sulfate has been found to be an effective in vitro neutralizer of white phosphorus and has been traditionally used to treat burns. Copper sulfate reacts with phosphorus to form cupric phosphate, which is black and assists in visualizing phosphorus.

Is red phosphorus rare?

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. Elemental phosphorus exists in two major forms, white phosphorus and red phosphorus, but because it is highly reactive, phosphorus is never found as a free element on Earth.

When did Israel use white phosphorus in Gaza?

The UNRWA compound in Gaza City was also among places hit by white phosphorus shells when Israeli troops fired three shells at the compound on January 15. Israel has used white phosphorous bombs against civilian targets many times. The Israeli army has admitted before using white phosphorus munitions during its 34-day war on Lebanon in 2006.

Why was the use of white phosphorus illegal?

Amnesty International has also produced a film clip accusing Israel of recklessly using white phosphorus. This analysis examines Amnesty International’s charge that Israel’s use of white phosphorus was illegal. Ignited white phosphorus is used to create a smoke screen to conceal the movement of ground troops.

What does white phosphorous do to human flesh?

The white phosphorus shells cause human flesh to burn to the bone. “It hurts me terribly, my skin is burning,” said Sabah Abu Halima, whose house in northern town of Beit Lahiya was hit by an Israeli white phosphorous shell on January 5.

Is the IDF investigating the use of white phosphorus?

It now says it is conducting an investigation, reportedly run by a colonel, into the use of white phosphorus. Given the IDF’s record on previous internal investigations, and the relatively low rank of the reported investigation leader, the inquiry’s objectivity remains in doubt.