Human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of unlawfully using white phosphorus munitions over residential areas in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about the safety of civilians amid escalating cross-border hostilities.
In a report released Monday, the New York-based organization said the Israeli military fired artillery shells containing white phosphorus over the town of Yohmor on March 3, 2026. According to the group, the strikes occurred above residential neighborhoods, potentially putting civilians at serious risk.
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Human Rights Watch said it verified and geolocated seven images showing white phosphorus munitions bursting in the air above the town. The images also showed civil defense workers responding to fires in at least two homes and a vehicle in the affected area.
Israel is again accused of using white phosphorus on civilians in Lebanon, sparking global concern over the use of the illegal weapons.
Human rights groups have previously reported Israel’s use of the chemical in Gaza#WARonHUMANITY pic.twitter.com/1iwqhCv93n
— TRT World (@trtworld) October 7, 2024
White phosphorus is commonly used in military operations to create smokescreens or illuminate battlefields. However, it can also function as an incendiary weapon. When exposed to oxygen, the chemical ignites and burns intensely, which can lead to severe injuries, including deep burns, respiratory damage, organ failure and even death.
The accusations come as Israeli forces continue to carry out strikes targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah despite a ceasefire reached in 2024. Israel launched multiple waves of attacks across Lebanon in recent days and deployed ground troops near border areas after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israeli territory.
Israeli authorities have also issued warnings urging residents living south of the Litani River to evacuate the area due to the growing conflict.
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Lebanese officials say Israeli strikes have killed at least 394 people and displaced more than half a million residents in recent weeks. Human Rights Watch warned that the use of white phosphorus in populated areas could have serious humanitarian consequences.
The group urged Israel to halt the use of such munitions in residential areas and called on countries supplying weapons to Israel to suspend arms transfers involving white phosphorus.