Israel unlawfully used white phosphorus in Lebanon: HRW

Images verified by Human Rights Watch show Israel fired white phosphorus in populated areas of southern Lebanon.Published On 9 Mar 2026Human Rights Watch (HRW) has found evidence Israel used white phosphorus in residential areas of southern Lebanon earlier this month, in violation of international humanitarian law.In a new report released on Monday, the New York-based rights group said it confirmed the authenticity of seven photos showing white phosphorus munitions fired over a residential area in southern Lebanon’s Yohmor, with fires breaking out in at least two homes there on March 3.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Aftermath of village in Lebanon after Hezbollah, Israeli troops clashlist 2 of 3Israel launches raid in Lebanon searching for missing pilotlist 3 of 3Israeli attack on hotel in Lebanon’s Beirut kills fourend of listRamzi Kaiss, a Lebanon researcher with HRW, said, “The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians.”“The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in lifelong suffering,” he added.The use of airburst white phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate in populated areas and does not meet the requirement under international humanitarian law to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm.The chemical substance ignites when exposed to oxygen and can set homes, agricultural areas, and other civilian objects on fire.HRW found that in Yohmor, the munitions were used unlawfully over concentrations of civilians, which resulted in fires breaking out in homes and other civilian property.The organisation verified and geolocated an image posted online by Lebanese media on the morning of March 3. It showed at least two artillery-delivered white phosphorus munitions being airburst over a residential neighbourhood.