Israel used white phosphorus over populated areas in Lebanon, NYT investigation finds

Smoke traces of Israeli shelling on the outskirts of the Deir Seryan village in Lebanon. (AFP)

• Human rights organizations have raised concerns that civilians may have been affected by the Israeli military use of the substance

DUBAI: The Israeli military has deployed white phosphorus munitions over populated areas in Lebanon during its conflict with Hezbollah, according to an investigation by the New York Times, that cited visual evidence, munition experts, aid organizations, and verified footage.
Distinctive smoke trails consistent with white phosphorus were observed as recently as May 30 over the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh, which has a population of roughly 40,000. The footage, verified by The New York Times, was filmed during Israeli operations around the historic Beaufort Castle. 
Additional verified footage reviewed by the paper showed white phosphorus being used near the coastal city of Tyre and around the towns of Qlayaa, Khiam and Yohmor since fighting resumed in March. The latest round of hostilities began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. 
White phosphorus ignites upon contact with air and is widely used by militaries to create smoke screens and conceal troop movements. While the substance itself is not prohibited under international law, its use against civilians or in civilian populated areas may violate the norms of armed conflict. 
Human rights organizations have raised concerns that civilians may have been affected by the Israeli military use of the substance. Israel denies using white phosphorus in violation of international law. 
In response to questions from The New York Times, the Israeli military said its procedures prohibit the use of such shells in densely populated areas except under certain circumstances and that its policies comply with, and exceed, international legal requirements. 
The investigation reported that Israel possesses US made 155mm M825A1 artillery rounds containing white phosphorus. The shells can be programmed to burst in midair, dispersing burning phosphorus over a wide area to create smoke screens, or detonate on impact to produce a single fire used as a battlefield marker. 
Munition experts consulted by The New York Times said footage from Lebanon showed artillery rounds bursting overhead and releasing burning material consistent with previous uses of M825A1 white phosphorus shells. 
The Israeli military told the newspaper that its primary smoke screen munitions do not contain white phosphorus but acknowledged that it possesses white phosphorus-based smoke rounds which it described as lawful under international law and intended for creating smoke screens rather than causing fires. 
The investigation noted that Human Rights Watch documented extensive Israeli use of white phosphorus in Lebanon in a 2024 report and questioned whether safer alternatives were available.  
According to The New York Times, independent researcher Ahmad Beydoun documented more than 200 instances of white phosphorus use in Lebanon in the year following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. 
Lebanon has filed four complaints with the United Nations and the UN Security Council since October 2023 regarding Israel’s use of white phosphorus. One submission cited government figures claiming that more than 600 fires in southern Lebanon were linked to the substance. 
The World Health Organization warns that white phosphorus can cause severe burns, respiratory injuries and eye damage. Human Rights Watch described its effects as potentially devastating, while environmental researchers cited concerns over long term contamination of soil, water, and agricultural land. 
Experts interviewed by The New York Times said determining whether white phosphorus was intentionally used against civilians is often difficult. Although the munition is legal under certain circumstances, critics argue that its wide area effects make civilian harm difficult to avoid when it is used near populated areas.