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Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of Illegal White Phosphorus Use in Lebanon Civilian Areas

Human Rights Watch has documented Israel's use of white phosphorus munitions in populated civilian areas in southern Lebanon, violating international law that causing severe burns and respiratory damage to civilians.

Introduction

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has documented Israel’s use of white phosphorus munitions in populated civilian areas in southern Lebanon, accusing the Israeli military of violating international law by deploying the incendiary weapon in locations where civilians are present.

The report, released on March 10, 2026, comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that has escalated dramatically since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, 2026.

What Is White Phosphorus?

White phosphorus is a highly incendiary substance that burns at extremely high temperatures when exposed to air. When used as a weapon, it creates a chemical fire that is difficult to extinguish and can cause severe and deep burns to human flesh.

Military Uses

White phosphorus is legally permitted for:

  • Creating smoke screens to mask troop movements
  • Illuminating battlefield areas
  • Marking targets

However, international humanitarian law prohibits its use in populated civilian areas due to the indiscriminate nature and severity of effects on humans.

The HRW Investigation

Findings

Human Rights Watch documented:

  1. Multiple Airburst Strikes: Between March 5-8, 2026, Israeli forces carried out at least five airburst strikes using white phosphorus munitions in populated areas of southern Lebanon, including:

    • Town of Naqoura
    • outskirts of Tyre
    • Border villages near the UN peacekeeping bases

  2. Civilian Presence: All targeted locations were confirmed to have significant civilian populations at the time of attacks, including:

    • Residential neighborhoods
    • Market areas
    • Schools (some operating as shelters for displaced persons)
    • Medical facilities

  3. Weapon Identification: Remnants collected from attack sites confirmed the use of M825 and M825A1 white phosphorus projectiles, both manufactured in the United States.

Evidence Collected

HRW researchers

  • Photographed munition remnants at attack sites
  • Interviewed witnesses and victims
  • Documented burn patterns consistent with white phosphorus
  • Analyzed satellite imagery showing impact areas

International Law Violations

Protocol III

The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (Protocol III) prohibits the use of incendiary weapons like white phosphorus against civilian populations.

Key provisions

  • Prohibits making civilian objects the object of attack
  • Requires all feasible precautions to avoid civilian casualties
  • Bans weapons that cause unnecessary suffering

Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons

The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) specifically restricts white phosphorus use

  • Cannot be used against civilian populations
  • Cannot be used in civilian areas
  • Requires special precautions when used near civilian areas

Civilian Impact

Casualties Reported

Medical facilities in southern Lebanon have documented

  • Deaths: At least 12 civilians killed in white phosphorus attacks
  • Severe Burns: Dozens treated for deep, chemical burns
  • Respiratory Injuries: Many treated for inhalation damage
  • Children Affected: Several children among casualties

Medical Challenges

White phosphorus injuries present unique medical challenges

  • Burns continue to deepen over time
  • Require specialized treatment not always available
  • Can cause organ failure
  • Lead to long-term disability

Israel’s Response

Official Statement

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement

“The IDF denies any violation of international law. All munitions used are in compliance with international humanitarian law and are used exclusively for legitimate military purposes.”

Military Justification

Israel has justified attacks on Lebanon by

  • Accusing Hezbollah of launching rockets from civilian areas
  • Claiming all targets were legitimate military objectives
  • Asserting precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm

Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Israel has faced accusations regarding white phosphorus

  • 2009: Used white phosphorus in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead
  • 2023: Used white phosphorus in Lebanon border areas
  • 2024: Documented use in southern Lebanon

Regional Context

Escalation Since Iran War

Since the US-Israel war on Iran began on February 28, 2026

  • Israel has increased military operations along Lebanon border
  • Hezbollah has launched rockets into northern Israel
  • Cross-border exchanges have intensified
  • Civilian displacement has increased dramatically

Lebanon’s Situation

Lebanon faces multiple crises

  • Direct attacks: Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon
  • Refugee crisis: Over 1 million displaced within Lebanon
  • Economic collapse: Infrastructure damage and displacement
  • Humanitarian emergency: Medical and food shortages

International Reaction

United Nations

The UN Human Rights Council has

  • Called for investigation into white phosphorus use
  • Urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law
  • Expressed concern about civilian casualties

United States

The US State Department

  • Acknowledged reports but “cannot confirm specifics”
  • Emphasized need for all parties to avoid civilian casualties
  • Stressed US commitment to international humanitarian law

European Union

The EU has

  • Condemned any violations of international law
  • Called for independent investigation
  • Urged de-escalation in Lebanon

Human Rights Organizations

Multiple organizations have called for accountability

  • Amnesty International: Demanded investigation
  • Human Rights Watch: Called for immediate cessation
  • International Committee of the Red Cross: Warned of medical implications

What White Phosphorus Does to Humans

Physical Effects

White phosphorus causes

  • Severe Burns: Deep, penetrating burns that continue to burn
  • Tissue Damage: Can burn through muscle and bone
  • Organ Damage: Inhalation can cause respiratory failure
  • Death: Can be fatal, especially with extensive exposure

Medical Treatment Challenges

Treatment is complicated by

  • Phosphorus can reignite when exposed to air
  • Specialized medical facilities required
  • Long-term treatment often necessary
  • Psychological trauma from disfiguring injuries

War Crimes Allegations

Legal experts have suggested that

  • Intentional targeting of civilians could constitute war crimes
  • Use of prohibited weapons in civilian areas violates international law
  • Failure to take precautions to protect civilians may be criminal

Accountability Mechanisms

Potential avenues for accountability include

  • International Criminal Court investigation
  • UN Security Council referral
  • Independent international investigation
  • National courts with universal jurisdiction

Regional Impact

Fear and Displacement

The white phosphorus attacks have contributed to

  • Mass displacement from southern Lebanon
  • Fear among civilian populations
  • Overcrowding in safer areas
  • Strain on humanitarian resources

Humanitarian Crisis

The combination of

  • Direct attacks
  • Displacement
  • White phosphorus injuries

Has created a complex humanitarian emergency requiring international response.

Conclusion

Human Rights Watch’s documentation of Israel’s use of white phosphorus in populated civilian areas in Lebanon represents a serious allegation of international law violations. The white phosphorus is not categorically banned, its use in civilian areas is prohibited under international humanitarian law due to its indiscriminate effects and severity of harm to humans.

The reported attacks have caused civilian casualties, including deaths and severe injuries, in areas that were known to have significant civilian populations. This raises serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law and the potential for war crimes accountability.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created a situation where civilians are increasingly caught in the crossfire. The use of weapons like white phosphorus in populated areas exacerbates an humanitarian crisis and raises questions about the protection of non-combatants.

As the conflict continues, the international community faces pressure to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and to protect civilian populations from the devastating effects of weapons like white phosphorus.

Sources

  1. Human Rights Watch — “Israel: White Phosphorus Use in Populated Civilian Areas in Lebanon” — Source

  2. Reuters — “Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of white phosphorus use in Lebanon civilian areas” — Source

  3. Al Jazeera — “Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon civilian areas, HRW says” — Source

  4. BBC — “White phosphorus: What is it and why is it controversial?” — Source

  5. The Guardian — “Israel accused of using white phosphorus in Lebanon amid escalating conflict” — Source

  6. CNN — “Human Rights Watch documents white phosphorus use in Lebanon civilian areas” — Source