HRW Accuses Israel of White Phosphorus Use Over Lebanese Homes

Human Rights Watch accused the Israeli military on Monday of unlawfully firing white phosphorus munitions over residential areas in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor on March 3, highlighting the risks to civilians in an escalating border conflict.

The New York-based rights organization released a report stating that it had verified and geolocated seven images depicting airburst white phosphorus shells detonating above homes in Yohmor. The images also captured civil defense workers extinguishing fires that erupted in at least two houses and a car, suggesting the munitions contained incendiary elements like felt wedges soaked in the substance. Human Rights Watch identified the smoke patterns as consistent with M825-series 155mm artillery shells. No injuries were reported from this specific incident, but the group emphasized the potential for severe harm, including deep burns, respiratory damage, and organ failure.

The strike occurred hours after Israel's Arabic-language military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issued evacuation orders at around 5:27 a.m. that day, urging residents of Yohmor and about 50 nearby villages to leave their homes and move at least 1,000 meters to open...