The White House Expresses Concern Over Alleged Use of White Phosphorus by Israel in Lebanon Attack
Washington, Dec 11 – The White House has voiced its concerns after reports emerged that Israel used white phosphorus munitions in an attack in southern Lebanon. The White House spokesman, John Kirby, stated that the munitions provided by the United States could only be used for illuminating battlefields and not for attacking people.
The concern was raised after The Washington Post published an article revealing that the Israeli army had injured at least nine civilians in October using white phosphorus. Kirby acknowledged the reports and emphasized the necessity to gather more information on the matter.
White phosphorus is intended for legitimate military purposes, such as illuminating areas and creating smoke to conceal movement on the battlefield, according to Kirby. He stressed that the United States provides such items with the expectation that they will be employed in accordance with the law of armed conflict.
The remains of three artillery shells containing white phosphorus were discovered in Dhiera, a Lebanese town near the border with Israel. At least three people were hospitalized as a result of the Israeli attack on Dheira on Oct. 16, with one individual requiring several days of medical attention.
The Washington Post revealed that the production codes found on the shells corresponded to the nomenclature used by the US Army for ammunition manufactured in Louisiana and Arkansas between 1989 and 1992. However, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder clarified that the US had not supplied Israel with white phosphorus artillery shells since the start of the Gaza war.
Amid this situation, the World Health Organization has cautioned that white phosphorus burns upon contact with oxygen and can cause severe burns, even corroding bones. The smoke produced by white phosphorus is harmful to the eyes and respiratory system.
The hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah group arose subsequent to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli Defense Forces are engaged in combat against Hamas.
The US government has emphasized the importance of mitigating civilian harm and continues to communicate this message to Israel. While the exact origins of the artillery shells are yet to be determined, it is clear that the use of white phosphorus in attacks is a matter of concern for international humanitarian norms.
As tensions persist in the Middle East, observers are closely monitoring the situation to assess its impact on civilian populations and adherence to global standards of engagement.
The use of white phosphorus in attacks, if substantiated, raises significant ethical and legal questions. The United States and the international community will be closely following developments to ensure the protection of civilians during times of conflict.
In efforts to provide clarity and address these concerns, it is crucial for all parties involved to fully cooperate and provide transparent information regarding the alleged use of white phosphorus in the attack by Israel. The consequences of using such munitions unlawfully or with disregard for civilian safety can have lasting effects on communities and further escalate tensions in the region.
As the situation unfolds, the global community anticipates thorough investigations into the alleged use of white phosphorus in order to not only establish accountability but also prevent future violations of the law of armed conflict.
