What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel allegedly used in Gaza?

White phosphorus bombs: After Hamas members stormed Israeli towns in a surprise and unprecedented attack in the first week of October, Israel launched incessant air strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza.

A Hamas attack launched from the Gaza enclave on Saturday (Oct 7) killed over 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians. Hamas militants also held dozens hostage, including people from a famous music festival.

Hundreds of people have died in the ensuing conflict, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Despite these concerns, experts have called out Israel after a video purportedly showed the use of white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas.

White phosphorus bombs are contested, but we here explain everything you need to know.

White phosphorus bombs: what are they?

It has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odor, however, it is not possible to detect white phosphorus by its odor alone. It is a waxy, crystalline solid that turns dark when exposed to light.

The military uses it as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes into contact with oxygen.

Because it produces clouds of irritating white smoke, the substance is also used by militaries around the world as a smoke agent.

In any of the three Schedules of Chemical Weapons, White Phosphorous has not been listed by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Several reports have claimed that white phosphorus can ignite fast-burning and fast-spreading fires on the ground, and that it is extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited.

What is the best way to disseminate white phosphorus?

Exposure to white phosphorus munitions can result in burn injuries and vapour inhalation.

Through inhalation, ingesting, or skin contact, it can be absorbed into the body. It sticks to many surfaces, including clothing and skin.

Millions of humans and animals will be affected by its release into indoor air and contamination of water bodies if contacted.

White phosphorus cannot be used to contaminate food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, if it is released as smoke, it may not contaminate agricultural products. However, particles that do not react with air may contaminate agricultural products.

Is it illegal to use white phosphorus bombs?

According to international law, white phosphorus shells are prohibited in heavily populated civilian areas, but they may be used as cover for troops in open spaces.

There is no ban on its weapons, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime.

It has been documented that civilians have died due to the use of it in war zones such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Gaza, according to Human Rights Watch.

How else can white phosphorus be used?

The white phosphorus is also used in fertilizers, food additives, and cleaning products.

Many countries have banned its use in several sectors, including pesticides and fireworks.

Is Israel familiar with such bombs?

Human Rights Watch claimed that Israel extensively used white phosphorus munitions in its 22-day military operation in Gaza called Operation Cast Lead which lasted from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009.

In Gaza, civilians were killed by missiles, bombs, heavy artillery, tank shells, and small arms fire, not white phosphorus munitions.

It did, however, argue that their use in densely populated neighborhoods violated international humanitarian law, which requires precautions to prevent civilian casualties.

Other war crimes reported during the Israel-Hamas conflict

According to the ongoing UN investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, “already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed”.

As quoted by the news agency AFP, “All those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes.”

To investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the COI was established in May 2021 by the UN Human Rights Council.

As part of its investigation, the independent commission said it had collected and preserved evidence of war crimes committed by all sides.

“Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields are war crimes,” the report stated.

Moreover, “it is gravely concerned” about Israel’s total siege of the Gaza Strip, “which will undoubtedly cost civilian lives and constitute collective punishment.”.