Israel Allegedly Uses Prohibited Weapons in Arab Country
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of using white phosphorus ammunition in residential areas of southern Lebanon in early March, a finding deemed to violate international humanitarian law due to the weapon’s use in areas with high civilian concentration.
HRW’s Lebanon researcher, Ramzi Kaiss, stated that the Israeli military’s use of white phosphorus in densely populated areas raises serious concerns. “The unlawful use of white phosphorus by the Israeli military over residential areas is extremely concerning and will have severe consequences for civilians,” Kaiss said in a report released by HRW on Monday (9 March 2026), as cited by Al Jazeera.
He added that the impact of such weapons is extremely hazardous to humans. “The burning effects of white phosphorus can cause death or severe injuries resulting in lifelong suffering,” Kaiss noted.
In the report, HRW stated it had verified seven photographs showing white phosphorus ammunition fired over residential areas in Yohmor, southern Lebanon, on 3 March. The images depicted explosions in the air that subsequently triggered fires in at least two residential homes.
HRW also conducted geolocation analysis of images posted by Lebanese media on the morning of the incident. The organisation’s analysis indicated at least two artillery projectiles detonating in the air and producing distinctive smoke clouds identical to M825 series 155mm white phosphorus ammunition.
Additionally, HRW verified other photographs posted by the civil defence team of the Islamic Health Committee in Yohmor. These images showed personnel extinguishing fires on residential roofs and in a burning vehicle. The organisation concluded the fires were likely caused by felt cloth fragments saturated with white phosphorus from ammunition that detonated in the air.
White phosphorus is a chemical substance that ignites when in contact with oxygen. When used in armed conflict in densely populated areas, the material can burn houses, agricultural land and other civilian objects, potentially causing loss of life.
HRW urged Israel to immediately cease use of such ammunition in residential areas. The organisation also called on countries supplying weapons to Israel to suspend military assistance. “Nations supplying weapons to Israel, including white phosphorus ammunition, must immediately suspend military aid and weapons sales,” Kaiss stated.
Meanwhile, military tensions in Lebanon continue to escalate. The Lebanese National News Agency reported a series of Israeli air strikes in southern Beirut’s suburbs, including the areas of Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted facilities belonging to armed group Hezbollah.
Since the latest escalation of conflict, more than half a million people have been reported displaced in Lebanon due to evacuation orders. Israeli strikes have also reportedly killed at least 394 people and injured over 1,000 others in the country.