Israel accused of using white phosphorus in Lebanon



NEW DELHI: Accusations have surfaced alleging that Israel deployed white phosphorus munitions in southern Lebanon throughout its ongoing navy operations. The accusations come from Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who has claimed that Israel’s use of this extremely controversial weapon has been a part of the escalating battle between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Israel’s use of white phosphorus in Lebanon is a transparent violation of worldwide regulation,” Mikati mentioned, emphasizing the necessity for worldwide intervention. White phosphorus is understood for its extreme results, inflicting deep burns and accidents and sparking worldwide outcry when utilized in civilian areas.
Human Rights Watch has additionally reported witnessing the usage of white phosphorus by Israeli forces. “We now have verified video footage exhibiting a number of assaults in Gaza and Lebanon utilizing white phosphorus,” mentioned Lama Fakih, the Center East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “This can be a violation of the legal guidelines of battle and raises important humanitarian considerations.”
The Israeli navy has denied these allegations. They declare their operations adhere to worldwide regulation and that their munitions are used solely to light up targets or create smoke screens, relatively than immediately focusing on civilians.
The battle has seen a rise in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with quite a few exchanges of fireside throughout the Israel-Lebanon border. Either side have sustained casualties, and fears are mounting that the state of affairs might escalate right into a full-blown battle.
Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate strongly in opposition to any Israeli aggression. “We’re ready to defend Lebanon in opposition to any Israeli incursions and can reply forcefully to any assaults,” mentioned a Hezbollah spokesperson. This escalation follows weeks of violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, additional complicating the area’s already risky dynamics.
The worldwide neighborhood has expressed deep concern over the potential use of white phosphorus. The United Nations and numerous human rights organizations have known as for thorough investigations into these allegations and for all events to train restraint to keep away from additional escalation.
In the meantime, civilian populations on each side of the border are bearing the brunt of the battle. Many residents in southern Lebanon have been displaced as a result of ongoing shelling and airstrikes. “We live in fixed worry,” mentioned one Lebanese resident. “We simply need peace and security for our households.”
Because the state of affairs develops, requires a ceasefire and diplomatic intervention are rising. The worldwide neighborhood is urging each Israel and Hezbollah to step again from the brink of battle and search peaceable resolutions to their disputes.





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