RAMALLAH, Friday, October 13, 2023 (WAFA) Amnesty International said its Crisis Evidence Lab has verified that Israeli military units striking Gaza are equipped with white phosphorus artillery rounds.
“We are investigating what appears to be the use of white phosphorus in Gaza, including in a strike near a hotel on the beach in Gaza City,” said Amnesty International,” the Middle East Monitor reports.
The Rights group said in a statement white phosphorus “burns at extremely high temperatures when exposed to air and can continue to burn inside flesh.” “It causes horrific pain and life-changing injuries,” it said, adding that it also can’t be put out with water.
“This is why white phosphorus should never be used in civilian areas. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. As we continue to closely investigate these deeply concerning cases,” the organization added. “Amnesty urges Israel to respect IHL at all times, civilians must be spared.”
The statement came hours after Human Rights Watch (HRW), late Thursday, said it verified videos showing multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over Gaza and Lebanon on 10-11 October.
“Israel’s use of white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries,” the HRW said.
T.R.
