Israeli forces reportedly use phosphorus shells in attacks on southern Lebanon

Bayt al-Sayyad

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) has provided stark accounts of the destruction inflicted upon several towns in southern Lebanon, with Bayt al-Sayyad being specifically highlighted for its extensive damage. The agency reported that following intense Israeli attacks overnight and into early Saturday, virtually no house in Bayt al-Sayyad was left undamaged. This level of reported devastation underscores the ferocity of the military operations and the profound impact on civilian infrastructure and residential areas. The indiscriminate nature of the reported shelling, including phosphorus munitions, suggests a broad targeting approach that has directly affected the lives and homes of local residents.

The detailed reports from the NNA, which also mentioned heavy artillery fire targeting Mansouri and Majdal Zoun, paint a picture of widespread military activity across the border region. Such extensive damage to civilian dwellings, if confirmed, raises serious questions under international humanitarian law regarding the principles of distinction and proportionality. These principles mandate that parties to a conflict must distinguish between combatants and civilians, and that attacks must not cause excessive harm to civilians or civilian objects in relation to the anticipated military advantage. The reports from Bayt al-Sayyad suggest a potential disregard for these critical protections, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the affected areas.

Human Rights Watch

The current allegations of phosphorus shell use by Israeli forces are not isolated incidents but rather echo a pattern of concern previously highlighted by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The organization has consistently warned about Israel's deployment of white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, providing concrete evidence in past reports. For instance, in 2024, HRW released compelling images and footage that showed these controversial munitions striking residential buildings in several southern Lebanese border villages, including Kafr Kila, Mays al-Jabal, Boustane, Markaba, and Aita al-Chaab. This consistent documentation by a reputable human rights body lends significant weight to the recent reports from Lebanese state media.

Furthermore, HRW's investigations extend beyond recent events, as they revealed in 2023 that Israeli forces had previously utilized white phosphorus in the densely populated Gaza Strip, as well as in two rural areas along the Israel-Lebanon border. These earlier findings establish a concerning precedent and provide crucial context for understanding the current allegations. The organization's repeated calls for adherence to international law and its detailed reporting serve as a vital independent voice, scrutinizing military conduct and advocating for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Their work underscores the ongoing need for accountability regarding the use of such dangerous weapons.

White Phosphorus

White phosphorus is an incendiary chemical that ignites spontaneously upon contact with air, producing intense heat and a thick, white smoke. Its primary military uses include creating smoke screens to obscure troop movements or marking targets. However, its use as an incendiary weapon is highly controversial and restricted under international law, particularly when deployed in airburst form over densely populated civilian areas. The weapon inflicts horrific injuries, causing severe, deep burns that are difficult to extinguish and can reignite even after initial treatment.

Beyond the immediate burns, white phosphorus poses significant health risks. Inhalation of its fumes can lead to severe respiratory injuries, including chemical pneumonitis and asphyxiation, making it particularly dangerous for non-combatants caught in its vicinity. The indiscriminate nature of white phosphorus, which can spread widely and cause harm to anyone in its path, is the core reason for its prohibition in civilian areas. The repeated allegations of its use by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, as reported by Lebanese state media and corroborated by human rights organizations, highlight a persistent challenge to international humanitarian law and raise serious concerns about the protection of civilian lives and property in the ongoing conflict.