News Center- Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said in a report on Wednesday that they verified  the use of white phosphorus munitions by Israeli forces in at least 17 municipalities across south Lebanon since October 2023, including five municipalities where airburst munitions were unlawfully used over populated residential areas.

The Israeli military told The Associated Press (AP) that it upholds international law regarding munitions and the use of white phosphorus, using the chemical only as a smokescreen, not to target civilians.

“Israel’s use of airburst white phosphorus munitions in populated areas indiscriminately harms civilians and has led many to leave their homes,” said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Israel forces should immediately stop using white phosphorus munitions in populated areas, especially when less-harmful alternatives are readily available.”

Photos and videos indicating the use of white phosphorus munitions

HRW interviewed eight south Lebanon residents and verified and geolocated 47 photos and videos from south Lebanon posted on social media or shared directly with researchers indicating the use of white phosphorus munitions.

In the report, the human rights group calls on Lebanon to “promptly file a declaration with the International Criminal Court (ICC), enabling the investigation and prosecution of grave international crimes within the court’s jurisdiction on Lebanese territory since October 2023.”

Since October 2023, more than 400 people have been killed and tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Lebanon.