Human Rights Watch (HRW) says the Israeli army illegally used white phosphorus munitions over populated areas in southern Lebanon, endangering civilians.
In a report published Monday, the NGO indicated that these munitions were allegedly used on March 3 over the city of Yohmor. According to Human Rights Watch, the use of white phosphorus in a residential area poses a serious risk to the population.
"The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can lead to death or horrific injuries that cause lifelong suffering," said Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher for Lebanon with the organization.
Human Rights Watch says it has analyzed and verified eight images showing the use of these munitions over a residential area of Yohmor. The images also reportedly show civil defense rescue workers responding to fires in the area.
Reuters, however, notes that it has not been able to independently verify the report's findings.
When questioned about these accusations, the Israeli army stated that it was unaware of the use of shells containing white phosphorus in Lebanon. It added that it had not viewed the same images analyzed by the organization and therefore could not comment on these allegations.
Lebanese authorities did not immediately respond to these accusations.
The Israeli army had previously ordered the evacuation of residents of Yohmor as well as about fifty other towns and villages in southern Lebanon, in the context of a military escalation linked to tensions between Israel, Hezbollah and the regional conflict involving Iran.
