Israel: Allegation of Using White Phosphorus in Gaza Attack is 'Undoubtedly False'

Israeli military forces announced on Friday, October 13, that they did not use white phosphorus in this week's attack on Gaza. According to Reuters, the Israeli military stated in a statement, "The current accusation against the Israeli Defense Forces regarding the use of white phosphorus in Gaza is undoubtedly false." This comes as Human Rights Watch accused Israel on Thursday, October 12, of using white phosphorus in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, stating that the use of such weapons puts civilians at serious and long-term risk of harm. Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the credibility of the human rights group's claims. The Israeli military announced in 2013 that it was gradually phasing out white phosphorus munitions, which had been used in attacks from 2008 to 2009 and faced accusations of war crimes from various human rights groups. Additionally, the United Nations reported that over 400,000 people have left their homes in Gaza. White phosphorus munitions can legally be used in warfare to create smoke screens, provide illumination, mark targets, or burn shelters and buildings. While white phosphorus has other legal uses, international conventions have not banned it as a chemical weapon; however, this chemical can cause serious burns and fires. Under Protocol III of the Geneva Conventions regarding "prohibiting the use of certain conventional weapons," white phosphorus is considered an incendiary weapon. Consequently, this protocol prohibits the use of incendiary weapons like white phosphorus munitions against military targets located within or near civilian residences. However, according to Reuters, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by it.