White Phosphorus Usage in Gaza

October 11, 2023

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, disturbing allegations have surfaced on social media, suggesting that the Israel Defense Force (IDF) is deploying banned white phosphorus bombs in the densely populated region.

What Is White Phosphorous?

White phosphorus is a waxy, yellowish-to-clear chemical with a pungent odor. It is highly combustible, burning quickly and brightly when exposed to air. Militaries worldwide, including the United States, employ white phosphorus in incendiary weapons for various purposes, such as illuminating targets at night or inflicting damage on enemies.

Upon ignition, white phosphorus produces intense heat, light, and thick white smoke used to create smokescreens in sensitive areas. It can lead to fast-moving and widespread fires on the ground, posing significant challenges for extinguishing and potentially causing severe burns to civilians, even penetrating deep into tissue and bone.

Historical Usage of White Phosphorus in Wars

The use of white phosphorus in warfare dates back to the 1800s, with Irish nationalists employing it against British forces, resulting in the term “Fenian fire.” Both the British army and U.S. forces used white phosphorus in World Wars. Notably, U.S. forces used it against insurgents in Fallujah after the Iraq invasion.

Israel faced accusations of deploying white phosphorous in the 2006 Lebanon War and the 2008-09 Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead). The Syrian government led by Bashar Al-Assad was also accused of using chemical weapons, including white phosphorus, during the Syrian crisis. More recently, reports suggest the Russian Army’s use of white phosphorus bombs in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Ban by the United Nations

In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution categorizing incendiary weapons as arms “viewed with horror.” These weapons are designed to set fire to objects or cause burns and respiratory injuries to people through the action of flame, heat, or a combination thereof, typically stemming from a chemical reaction of a flammable substance, such as napalm or white phosphorus.

The UN’s Protocol III, established in 1980, prohibits or limits the use of weapons causing excessive pain or harm to civilians. This protocol restricts the use of weapons that ignite objects.

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